SL Energy Sources

Concept Explanations

Energy Production

8.1 – Energy Sources

Your Note-Taking Template (pdf)

8.1.1 – Energy Sources Basics

8.1.2 – Sankey Diagrams

8.1.3 – Thermal Power Stations

8.1.4 – Nuclear Energy

8.1.5 – Pumped Storage Hydroelectric System

8.1.6 – Wind Generators

8.1.7 – Solar Energy

Definitions to Memorize*

 

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Term/Concept

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Definition/Explanation

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Video

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Energy Density
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Energy stored per unit volume in a fuel.

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Video 8.1.1

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Specific Energy
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Energy stored per unit mass in a fuel.

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Video 8.1.1

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Renewable energy source
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An energy source that is either continually generated or can be replenished in a relatively short amount of time (on the scale of a human lifetime).

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Video 8.1.1

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Secondary energy source
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An energy source that results from the transformation of a primary energy source.

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Video 8.1.1

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Fossil Fuel Power Station Energy Transformation Order
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chemical → thermal → kinetic → electrical

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Video 8.1.3

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Control Rods’ Role in a Nuclear Fission Power Station
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To absorb neutrons, so it is made of a material that is a good absorber of neutrons. Control rods regulate reaction rate.

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Video 8.1.4

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Moderator’s Role in a Nuclear Fission Reactor
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To slow down neutrons.

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Video 8.1.4

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Pumped Storage Hydroelectric System Energy Changes and Operation
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  • The potential energy of the water is converted into the kinetic energy of the moving turbines which is then converted into electrical energy.
  • The idea of such a system is to pump water back to the upper reservoir when demand is low (and electricity is cheaper, for instance during the night) and then produce electrical energy when demand is high (and electricity is more expensive, for instance, during the day).
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Video 8.1.5

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Photovoltaic Cell
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Converts solar energy into electrical energy

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Video 8.1.7

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Solar Heating Panel
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Converts solar energy into thermal energy.

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Video 8.1.7

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* The terms and concepts above have directly come up on past IB Physics exams from May 2016 onwards. 

Directly in this context  means that the answer to a Paper 1 or Paper 2 question was the definition of the term or concept or that the answer could be deduced directly from the definition.  Therefore, this list might be helpful when you are deciding what to memorize for your IB Physics exams.

To see a complete list of definitions from all topics along with the number of times the term/concept occured on exams since May 2016, click on the link below:

All Definitions from Past IB Exams (pdf)

Sub-topic Quiz

Energy Sources
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Other Topic Specific PaperPlainz Resources

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Energy Production

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SL Past Exam Video Solutions by Topic

Energy Production

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Sub-topic 8.2 →