This memory aid covers Memory Aid: Renewable Sources within Energy Resources for GCSE Physics. Revise Energy Resources in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 9 of 13 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aid: Renewable Sources
Use the acronym SHWGTB to remember the six main renewable energy sources:
- S — Solar (light from the Sun)
- H — Hydroelectric (falling water)
- W — Wind (moving air)
- G — Geothermal (heat from the Earth)
- T — Tidal (Moon's gravitational pull)
- B — Biofuel (organic material)
Wave power is sometimes listed separately — if you need to remember it too, add a second W: SHWGTBW.
For non-renewables, remember "CONK": Coal, Oil, Nuclear, gaK (Gas). Or more naturally: Coal, Oil, Gas, Nuclear — the four non-renewables.
Quick Check: Which two renewable sources are most reliable (predictable)?
Tidal power (predictable because tides are caused by the Moon's gravity, which follows a reliable cycle) and geothermal power (heat from inside the Earth is available 24/7). Hydroelectric is also very reliable when there is sufficient water in the reservoir.
Practice questions for Energy Resources
Which of the following is a renewable energy resource?
Give two advantages and one disadvantage of using wind turbines to generate electricity.