Key learning points

1. Renewable energy resources will not run out because they are replenished more quickly than we use them up
2. Electricity can be generated by spinning coils of wire in an electric generator with a turbine
3. Turbines can be spun using falling water or wind
4. Turbines can be spun using moving steam made by burning biomass, oil or gas
5. Solar panels produce electricity without electric generators

Keywords

• Electric generator - a machine that generates electricity when wire coils inside it are made to spin in a magnetic field

• Turbine - a series of angled blades that turn electrical generators that produce electricity

• Renewable resource - an energy resource that can be replenished as quickly as it is used so will not run out

• Sustainable resource - a resource that can be replenished naturally and used with little or no negative impact on the environment

• Non-renewable resource - a resource that cannot be replenished

Common misconception