Energy Resources: Transport (GCSE Physics)

Energy Resources: Transport

Energy Resources in Transport

We can use both non-renewable and renewable energy resources as fuel for transport.

There are two main types of way to use these resources to power a car:

Gas powered cars have a fuel tank to supply gasoline to the engine. The engine will then turn a transmission, to turn the wheels of the car.

Electric powered cars provide electricity to an electric motor, using a set of batteries. Similarly, the motor is used to turn a transmission, which will then turn the wheels of the car.

Non-renewable Energy Resources

Components of oil (petrol and diesel) can be used to fuel cars. They release a large amount of energy when ignited in an internal combustion engine.

Since fossil fuels like petrol and disease are known to negatively impact the environment, the use of hybrid cars is becoming more common.

Hybrid cars use a combination of electricity and gasoline power.

Renewable Energy Resources

Some cars run on liquid biofuels, which can be derived from vegetable oils or waste. The biofuels are burnt to generate electricity, fueling a car in the same way petrol or diesel would.

Biofuels are carbon neutral so they are better for the environment. However, even though biofuels are more environmentally friendly than oils, they have up to 50% less energy per liter.