Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Energy Resources and Electricity Generation
71 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
51–60 of 71
Question 51
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Explain why nuclear power stations cannot be used to meet rapid, unexpected increases in electricity demand.
Question 52
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Electricity suppliers must match supply exactly to demand to avoid power cuts.
(a)[1 mark]State one way electricity demand can change suddenly.
(b)[1 mark]Name a type of power station that is usually used to deal with these sudden changes.
Question 53
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The demand for electricity in a country increases significantly during cold winters.
(a)[1 mark]Explain one reason for this increase.
(b)[1 mark]Name one type of power station that cannot respond quickly to increases in demand.
(c)[1 mark]Describe what the electricity grid operators do to make sure enough electricity is available at cold times.
Question 54
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A table gives the start-up times for different types of power station: | Type | Start-up time | |------------------|--------------| | Nuclear | 24 hours | | Coal-fired | 6 hours | | Gas-fired | 30 minutes | | Hydroelectric | 2 minutes | Which type of power station(s) could be used to deal with a sudden demand for electricity during a football match interval? Give a reason for your answer.
Question 55
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Electricity generation must match supply to demand at all times.
(a)[1 mark]Name two factors that affect the demand for electricity throughout a typical day.
(b)[1 mark]Describe one way the National Grid prepares for predictable changes in demand.
Question 56
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which of the following best describes why wind farms cannot be relied on to meet sudden increases in electricity demand?
- A.They take many hours to start up.
- B.They are very expensive to run.
- C.Wind speed and direction are unpredictable.
- D.They produce dangerous waste.
Question 57
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 58
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 59
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 60
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.