Year 9 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 24
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Compare four energy systems, mega-table
Fill in as many cells as you can from memory. Use key unit concepts, Australian examples, and formulas where relevant.
| Criterion | Coal power station | Solar farm + battery | Pumped hydro | Green hydrogen plant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy transformation chain (what forms does energy pass through?) |
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| CO₂ emissions (high / low / zero, when?) |
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| Reliability (baseload / intermittent / dispatchable) |
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| Cost trend (rising / falling / stable) |
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| Australian example (real project or location) |
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| Key limitation |
Find the flaw, five errors in a student's essay
A student's essay on Australia's energy future, contains FIVE errors
"Australia is at a turning point in its energy history. Heat moves through liquids and gases by conduction, which is why convection currents form in the atmosphere and drive our weather systems. In homes across Australia, series circuits are used because each appliance receives the same voltage, making them safer and more efficient than parallel wiring. The National Electricity Market (NEM) is Australia's main electricity grid and covers all states and territories including Western Australia. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is a primary energy source that can be extracted directly from the environment in large quantities. Finally, while Australia is taking action on climate change, our record is not as bad as some suggest, Australia's CO₂ emissions per capita are below the world average, which shows we have already made significant progress."
Find all five underlined errors. For each one: (i) identify the error, (ii) write the correct version, and (iii) briefly explain why it matters scientifically.
| # | The error (underlined claim) | Correct version | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 |
Wrap Up, Your final reflection
What is the most important energy challenge facing Australia in the next 20 years? Explain your reasoning using at least two concepts from Unit 3.