Use the simulation in your science or Physics class to illustrate renewable and non renewable energy resources
This simulation helps GCSE Physics students compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources, exploring the key differences in CO₂ emissions, sustainability, and long-term availability.
Eight sources are presented across two clearly labelled columns. Students select any source and see an animated visualisation — renewable sources emit bright coloured energy particles radiating outward, while fossil fuels produce rising grey CO₂ clouds, with the density of the clouds scaling with the actual emissions of that fuel. This makes the environmental contrast immediately visible without needing to read any numbers.
The three info cards beneath show:
- The source name and type
- CO₂ output in grams per kilowatt-hour (real GCSE-relevant figures), with a proportional bar for instant visual comparison
- Whether the source will run out, with approximate reserve estimates
The CO₂ figures used are factually grounded:
- Solar 0 g/kWh · Wind ~2 g/kWh · Hydro ~4 g/kWh · Biomass ~230 g/kWh
- Nuclear ~12 g/kWh · Gas ~490 g/kWh · Oil ~650 g/kWh · Coal ~820 g/kWh
This supports the following GCSE Physics specification points across AQA, OCR, and Edexcel:
- Renewable energy resources will not run out and are replenished naturally
- Non-renewable energy resources will eventually run out
- The use of fossil fuels releases CO₂, contributing to climate change
- Students should be able to compare the uses, advantages, and disadvantages of different energy resources
- Nuclear fuel is non-renewable but produces very low CO₂ emissions during operation