IGCSEScienceCambridge (CIE)Combined SciencePhysicsRevision Notes1. Motion, Forces & EnergyEnergy, Work & PowerGeothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science): Revision Note

Exam code: 0653

Leander Oates

Last updated

Cambridge (CIE) Combined Science: PhysicsCambridge (CIE) Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award): Physics

Geothermal energy

  • Tectonic activity causes areas where the rocks below ground become heated

  • Energy in the thermal store of the rocks can be obtained by:

    • Drilling shafts into the Earth's surface to expose the heated rocks

    • Injecting water into the shaft which is heated by the rocks

    • The water is returned via another shaft as steam or hot water

    • The steam can be used to turn a turbine and generate electricity

    • The hot water can be used to heat homes and provide a hot water supply to households

Geothermal power station

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

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    Leander Oates

    Author: Leander Oates

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    Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.