Energy and our Universe - Pearson Schools

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BTEC’s own resources
Just checking
1. What is the difference between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries?
2. With the aid of a diagram, describe how an ac electrical generator works. Sketch a graph showing
the electrical current that is produced.
3. Sketch the current provided by dc supply.
4. Describe how electricity is brought to our homes.
5. List three ways that heat is lost from a house.
7. What is the name of our galaxy?
8. How many planets are there in our Solar System? Name these planets.
9. Name three types of radiation and give an application of each.
To get the grade you deserve in your assignments remember the following.
Assignment tips
Make sure that your assignments are written as clearly as possible. Always read them through when you
have fi nished.
Make sure that, when you plan experiments, you have thought about what kind of results you expect to
get and have prepared a table for them. What kind of apparatus is likely to be available? Make sure you
plan well, allowing yourself plenty of time.
Don’t forget to include the correct units when solving numerical problems. Always check your calculations
before you hand in your work for assessment.
Some of the key information you’ll need to remember includes the following.
Knowing the difference between energy block diagrams and Sankey diagrams – remember the width of
each arrow in a Sankey diagram corresponds to the value of the energy transferred.
Knowing the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation – remember ionising radiation
knocks electrons out of the atoms it comes into contact with.
When doing work on the electromagnetic spectrum, remember the smaller a wavelength is, the higher
the frequency.
Renewable sources of energy are those that don’t run out, for example wind energy and solar energy.
Non-renewable sources of energy are ones that will run out, for example fossil fuels and nuclear fuels.
You may fi nd the following websites useful as you work through this unit.
For information on… Visit…
the different types of energy, its transfer and uses http://www.gcse.com/energy.htm
the full range of electricity generation technology http://www.electricitygeneration.co.uk
energy-saving measures http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk