Energy Resources | GCSE Physics

Energy

This lesson builds energy resources, efficiency and power for GCSE Physics.

Use the core lesson first, then match the exam-board guidance to your school route. Many pupils meet this content through Combined Science as well as Separate Physics.

Good forSeparate Physics and Combined Science

FocusEnergy resources, efficiency and power

Time45-60 minutes

EquipmentCalculator and notes on renewable and non-renewable resources.

Paper fitPaper 1 focus on most GCSE Physics routes

TierFoundation and Higher core

Practical linkNo required practical focus

Maths tagsM1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage, M8 multi-step calculations

What you will learn

Distinguish renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
Use power = energy transferred divided by time.
Calculate efficiency as useful output divided by total input.
Evaluate energy resources using reliability, cost and environmental impact.

Exam-board fit

RouteSeparate Physics and Combined Science

PaperPaper 1 focus on most GCSE Physics routes

TierFoundation and Higher core

Specification fitEnergy: Energy resources, efficiency and power

Practical linkNo required practical focus

Maths ladderM1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage, M8 multi-step calculations

Exact paper labels and specification-point numbering vary by board and cohort, so match this lesson to your school route before using past-paper questions.

Power station and device data supplied on this page

Use the lamp, turbine and power station examples to practise power, efficiency and resource evaluation.

Clear explanation

Power is the rate of energy transfer. A device with a higher power transfers energy more quickly.

Energy resources can be renewable, such as wind and solar, or non-renewable, such as coal, oil, gas and nuclear fuels. Evaluation questions need balanced reasons, not just a list.

Efficiency compares useful output with total input. It is never above 100% because energy is conserved, although some is dissipated to less useful stores.

Worked examples

Calculating power

A motor transfers 3600 J in 60 s.

power = energy transferred ÷ time

power = 3600 ÷ 60 = 60

Answer: The motor power is 60 W.

Quick checks

Choose an answer, then check your thinking.

1. A device transfers 500 J in 10 s. What is its power?

50 W 510 W 5000 W

2. Which resource is renewable?

Coal Natural gas Wind

Practice questions

Question 1

A kettle transfers 120 000 J in 80 s. Calculate its power.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 1500 W.

Marking: Credit power = energy ÷ time and 120 000 ÷ 80 = 1500 W.

Question 2

A device takes in 900 J and transfers 540 J usefully. Calculate efficiency as a percentage.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 60%.

Marking: Credit 540 ÷ 900 = 0.6 and converting to 60%.

Question 3

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of wind power.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: It is renewable and produces no carbon dioxide during operation, but output depends on wind conditions.

Marking: Credit a balanced evaluation with one sensible advantage and one limitation.

Question 4

Why can a non-renewable fuel still be reliable for electricity generation?

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: Fuel can be stored and burned when demand rises.

Marking: Credit control of supply or ability to meet demand.

Exam practice ladder

AO1 fluencyRecall the key definition, unit, equation or model before using the lesson questions.

AO2 applicationApply energy resources, efficiency and power to an unfamiliar device, practical setup or data description.

AO3 analysisUse evidence, graph features, uncertainty, method quality or conclusion wording where the question asks you to evaluate.

Maths skillM1 substitution with units

Answers and marking guidance

The exact practice answers are hidden under each question so you can try first. For this lesson, marks come from using the correct physics model, choosing the right equation where needed, keeping units with values, and explaining changes with precise words such as transfer, resultant force, acceleration, evidence and uncertainty.

Common mistakes

Confusing energy with power.
Writing efficiency above 100%.
Calling nuclear fuel renewable.
Giving one-sided resource evaluations.

Exam-board guidance

All supported routes assess the core physics idea, but they may group topics, practicals and paper wording differently.

AQA GCSE Physics

AQA GCSE Physics: use this lesson for energy resources, efficiency and power, then check whether your class is taking Separate Physics or Combined Science.

OCR GCSE Physics

OCR GCSE Physics: the core physics idea is shared, but Gateway and Twenty First Century may organise questions differently.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics: practise the concept, the equation use and the practical language because questions often connect them.

Eduqas GCSE Physics

Eduqas GCSE Physics: learn the core explanation and practise applying it to unfamiliar contexts, data and practical questions.

WJEC Wales

WJEC Wales: check whether your class is using the current GCSE Physics route or a newer science route, then use this lesson for the shared physics idea.

CCEA GCSE Physics

CCEA GCSE Physics: connect the idea to your unit and remember that practical skills are assessed directly.

Extension challenge

Compare wind, gas and nuclear electricity generation for a town that needs reliable low-carbon supply.

Reveal answer

Example answer: A strong extension response names the physics model, uses accurate units and explains why the evidence supports the conclusion.

Next lesson

Next, continue with Current, Potential Difference and Resistance.

Previous lesson: Practical Skills Back to GCSE Physics lessons Next lesson: Current, Potential Difference and Resistance