Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Energy Resources and Electricity Generation
71 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
21–30 of 37 · Normal
Question 21
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student suggests painting the inside of a solar panel white instead of black.
(a)[1 mark]Predict the effect this would have on the efficiency of the panel.
(b)[3 marks]Explain your prediction.
Question 22
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A solar heating panel is covered with a glass sheet and insulated at the back.
(a)[2 marks]State the function of the glass sheet.
(b)[2 marks]What is the purpose of insulation at the back of the panel?
Question 23
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Which option describes the main way a solar panel is made more efficient at heating water?
- A.Painting the pipes white
- B.Placing the panel in the shade
- C.Insulating the back of the panel
- D.Using reflective materials on the inside
Question 24
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe how you could set up a simple experiment to show that a black container heats up faster in sunlight than a white one.
(a)[1 mark]List the apparatus you would use for this experiment.
(b)[2 marks]Describe what you would do in this experiment.
(c)[1 mark]State what you would measure to compare the heating effect.
Question 25
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The demand for electricity changes at different times of day.
(a)[1 mark]State one time of day when electricity demand is likely to be at its highest and explain why.
(b)[2 marks]Name a type of power station that responds quickly to sudden increases in electricity demand. Explain why it can do this.
Question 26
1 mark · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Which of these power stations is LEAST able to meet sudden increases in electricity demand?
- A.Coal-fired power station
- B.Gas-fired power station
- C.Hydroelectric power station
- D.Wind farm
Question 27
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the time it takes different types of power stations to start generating electricity after being turned on.
Type of power station Time to start generating (hours) Nuclear 12 Coal-fired 8 Oil-fired 4 Gas-fired 0.5 Hydroelectric 0.03 (a)[2 marks]Which power station is best for meeting a sudden, short-term increase in demand? Explain your answer.
(b)[2 marks]Suggest one reason why nuclear power stations are not used to meet sudden increases in demand.
Question 28
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A power company is deciding how to best prepare for regular changes in electricity demand throughout each day.
(a)[1 mark]Describe one predictable change in electricity demand that occurs on most days.
(b)[1 mark]Suggest one way the company can plan to supply extra electricity during these predictable times.
(c)[2 marks]Explain why fossil fuel (coal, oil, or gas) power stations are often run continuously, even at night when demand is lower.
Question 29
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Hydroelectric power stations are considered useful for balancing supply and demand in a national grid.
Describe two reasons why they are particularly effective for this purpose.
Question 30
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A popular sport event ends on TV, and millions of people immediately turn on their electric kettles to make a drink.
Explain how electricity suppliers ensure that the extra demand can be met instantly. In your answer, refer to the types of power stations involved.