Geothermal
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Geothermal is an energy resource that allows us to use the thermal energy underground in volcanic regions to heat or to power electrical appliances.
About Geothermal
- Geothermal is a renewable energy resource.
- Geothermal has energy in the thermal energy store of rocks underneath the Earth's surface.
Power
Geothermal can be used to provide hot water or generate electricity.
 |
| A diagram of a geothermal power station. |
- 1. Cold water is pumped deep underground.
- 2. Water is heated as it passes through rocks underground.
- 3. Water turns to steam and passes down pipes to turn a turbine.
- 4. The turbine causes a generator to spin.
- 5. The generator makes an electrical current.
Advantages
- Extremely reliable (does not depend on sunlight or wind).
- Can be used to generate electrical power or to heat buildings directly.
- Does not cause pollution or significant environmental damage.
- No fuel cost.
Disadvantages
- Expensive to build when compared to how much money can be made selling the power.
- Can only be built in volcanic areas.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Geothermal is an energy resource that allows us to use the thermal energy underground in volcanic regions to heat or to power electrical appliances.
About Geothermal
- Geothermal is a renewable energy resource.
- Geothermal has energy in the thermal energy store of rocks underneath the Earth's surface.
Power
Geothermal can be used to provide hot water or generate electricity.
|
| A diagram of a geothermal power station. |
- 1. Cold water is pumped deep underground.
- 2. Water is heated as it passes through rocks underground.
- 3. Water turns to steam and passes down pipes to turn a turbine.
- 4. The turbine causes a generator to spin.
- 5. The generator makes an electrical current.
Advantages
- Extremely reliable (does not depend on sunlight or wind).
- Can be used to generate electrical power or to heat buildings directly.
- Does not cause pollution or significant environmental damage.
- No fuel cost.
Disadvantages
- Expensive to build when compared to how much money can be made selling the power.
- Can only be built in volcanic areas.
References
AQA
- Geothermal energy, page 25, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
- Geothermal energy, page 280, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA
- Geothermal energy, page 41, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Geothermal power, page 176, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Geothermal power, page 19, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Geothermal power, pages 32-3, 41, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Geothermal power, pages 48, 49, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA
- Geothermal power, pages 50, 51, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA