Original Source of Energy

Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.3.9

The Sun - Original Source of Energy

The sun is the original source of energy for many energy resources:

Solar power

Solar power

  • Solar power comes directly from the Sun.
Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels

  • Fossil fuels are made of decayed plants and animals, which originally got their energy from the Sun.
Wind power

Wind power

  • Winds are created by differences in air pressure.
  • Differences in air pressure arise because of air being unevenly heated by the Sun.
Wave energy

Wave energy

  • Waves are created by winds, which are created by the Sun.
Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity

  • Hydroelectric power is produced by dams.
  • Water builds up behind the dam due to rain, which is produced by the water cycle, which is driven by the Sun or pumped up using electricity from other sources.

Test yourself on Original Source of Energy

  • The original source of energy in many cases is...

  • The Sun is the original source of energy for the following forms of power...

  • In which of the following types of power is the Sun NOT the original source of energy?

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