5.1.1

Sustainability

Test yourself

Non-Renewable and Renewable Resources

Energy resources can be renewable or non-renewable.

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Non-renewable

  • Non-renewable resources will run out one day.
    • Fossil fuels and nuclear fuel are non-renewable.
    • All non-renewable resources damage our environment.
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Renewable

  • Renewable resources will never run out. They can be or are being replenished as they are used.
    • Solar, wind, water waves, hydro-electricity, bio-fuel, tides, geothermal are renewable energy resources.
    • Most resources damage the environment. But renewable sources are less harmful than non-renewable sources.

Uses of Energy Sources

Heating and transport are two of the main uses of energy resources.

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Transport

  • Non-renewable:
    • Petrol and diesel vehicles use fuel from oil.
  • Some steam trains use coal for boiling water to produce steam.
  • Renewable:
    • Bio-fuels power some vehicles.
Illustrative background for HeatingIllustrative background for Heating ?? "content

Heating

  • Non-renewable:
    • Natural gas is used to heat homes.
    • Coal is burnt in fireplaces.
  • Renewable:
    • Some buildings are heated by geothermal heat pumps.
    • These use geothermal energy resources.
    • Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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