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GCSEPhysics: Combined ScienceOCR GatewayExam Questions8. Global Challenges8.2 Energy Resources & Power Transmission

Energy Resources & Power Transmission (OCR Gateway GCSE Physics: Combined Science)

Exam Questions

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8.2 Energy Resources & Power Transmission

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8.2 Energy Resources & Power Transmission

16 marks

The UK generates some of its electrical power from wind turbines.

Fig. 18.1 shows the total electrical power generated by wind turbines in the UK.

The graph is for a single day in December which had very strong winds.

fig-18-1-paper4-oct-nov2020-ocr-gcse-physics

Fig. 18.1

 

Fig. 18.2 shows the total demand for electrical power in the UK on the same day.

fig-18-2-paper4-oct-nov2020-ocr-gcse-physics

Fig. 18.2

Some experts believe the UK should generate most of its electrical power from wind.

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this idea.

Use the graphs in Fig. 18.1 and Fig. 18.2 and your own ideas about wind turbines to support your answer.

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2a4 marks

The graph shows how the World’s energy use has changed from the year 1971 to the year 2003.

It also shows the amount of different energy sources used.

q23-paper2-june2018-ocr-gcse-physics

i)
Approximately how much did the total World’s energy use increase from the year 1971 to the year 2003?

Answer = ......................... billion tonnes (oil equivalent) [1]

ii)
Which energy source had the greatest use in the year 2003?

[1]

iii)
The total energy use in the year 2003 was 10.6 billion tonnes (oil equivalent).

Approximately what percentage of this amount was due to fossil fuel use?

Answer = .........................% [2]

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2b4 marks

Scientists are researching the World’s energy use for the future.

The graph shows some of their research.

q23b-paper2-june2018-ocr-gcse-physics

i)
The future demand for fossil fuels is expected to increase.

Give two reasons why scientists are worried about this increase in demand.

1 .....................................................................................................

 

2 .....................................................................................................
[2]

ii)
In the UK the government is closing coal fired power stations and planning for new nuclear power stations to be built.

Suggest why the government wants more nuclear power stations.

[2]

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2c4 marks

Power stations in the UK generate electricity at 25 kV a.c.

The voltage is then increased to 400 kV a.c. and distributed by power lines.

i)
Write down the full name of the device used to increase the voltage.

[1]

ii)
Why is it important to increase the voltage in these power lines?

[1]

iii)
The high voltages across the power lines are reduced to 230 V a.c. for use in the home.

A phone charger changes the 230 V a.c. to a 5 V d.c.

Explain the difference between d.c. and a.c.

[2]

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2d6 marks

A domestic wind turbine has a power rating which varies from 1.0 kW to 3.0 kW.

i)
The domestic wind turbine has an electrical resistance of 23 Ω.

It generates a current of 11 A on a windy day.

Calculate the power output in kW of the turbine on this day.

Answer = ......................... kW [4]

ii)
Suggest why the manufacturer gives a range for the power rating of the wind turbine.
[1]
iii)
Using just one domestic wind turbine may be an unreliable source of power for a house.

State a reason why.
[1]

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3a1 mark

Many power stations burn fuels to generate electricity.

Fuels can be renewable or non-renewable.

Wood is used in some power stations.

Why is wood called a renewable fuel?

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3b2 marks

A student has completed her homework on fuels used in power stations.

Look at her table below.

Fuel Type
Wood renewable
Plant and vegetable oils renewable
Peat non-renewable
Coal renewable
North Sea gas non-renewable
Uranium renewable

She has made two mistakes, identify these in the table by putting a cross (x) next to them.

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3c1 mark

Power stations produce electrical energy and use the National Grid to send the energy to factories and homes in the UK.
q16c-paper2-specimen-ocr-gcse-physics

A step-up transformer is used in the National Grid.

State what a step-up transformer does.

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3d4 marks

Domestic UK electrical wiring uses live, neutral and earth wires.

Complete the two empty boxes.

Draw lines to match up the wires to their colour and function.

q16d-paper2-specimen-ocr-gcse-physics

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