Geothermal Energy (Cambridge O Level Physics)

Revision Note

Test yourself
Dan MG

Author

Dan MG

Last updated

Geothermal Energy

  • Radioactive elements deep in the Earth release energy as they decay, this geothermal energy heats up the rocks, sometimes to a high temperature
  • Water can be poured into shafts below the Earth's surface which is heated by the rocks and returned via another shaft as steam or hot water
  • Steam can be used to turn a turbine and generate electricity, and hot water can be used to heat homes

Power Station using Geothermal Energy

1-8-4-geothermal-energy-cie-igcse-23-rn

Cold water is heated by the rocks and returned as hot water or steam which can be used to generate electricity

Advantages

  • Renewable resource
  • Reliable source of energy
  • Geothermal power stations are usually small compared to nuclear or fossil fuel power stations

Disadvantages

  • Few suitable locations on Earth so small scale production of electricity
  • Can result in the release of greenhouse gases from underground
  • Expensive to build

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Dan MG

Author: Dan MG

Expertise: Physics

Dan graduated with a First-class Masters degree in Physics at Durham University, specialising in cell membrane biophysics. After being awarded an Institute of Physics Teacher Training Scholarship, Dan taught physics in secondary schools in the North of England before moving to SME. Here, he carries on his passion for writing enjoyable physics questions and helping young people to love physics.