Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Energy Resources and Energy Transfers
175 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
151–160 of 175
Question 151
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 152
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 153
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 154
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.
Question 155
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Nuclear power stations are used to supply a large proportion of electricity in some countries.
Explain two reasons why nuclear power stations are not suitable for meeting sudden changes in electricity demand.
Question 156
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Electricity demand is higher in winter than summer.
(a)[1 mark]State one reason why electricity demand is higher in winter.
(b)[3 marks]Explain how the national grid ensures there is enough electricity to supply everyone during periods of high demand.
Question 157
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A family is deciding how to heat their new home. They can choose between installing a solar heating panel or using natural gas from the local supply.
(a)[2 marks]Describe how a solar heating panel warms water for use in a home.
(b)[2 marks]State one advantage and one disadvantage of using solar heating compared to using natural gas.
Question 158
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →To cope with a sudden cold snap, a country's electricity demand rises quickly in one evening.
(a)[2 marks]Name one type of power station that can respond quickly to sudden changes in demand, and one type that cannot.
(b)[2 marks]Explain with reasons why the two types of power station you named in part (a) have these responses to demand.
Question 159
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Wind farms and nuclear power stations are both used to generate electricity in different countries.
(a)[2 marks]Describe the energy transfers involved in generating electricity using a wind turbine.
(b)[2 marks]Nuclear power stations can provide 'clean' energy but have some disadvantages.
State two disadvantages of nuclear power stations when compared to wind farms.
(c)[2 marks]Explain, with reference to supply and demand, why a country cannot rely entirely on wind power to meet its electricity needs.
Question 160
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A city is deciding between building a tidal power station and a new gas-fired power station.
(a)[2 marks]Describe the energy transfers that occur in generating electricity using a tidal scheme.
(b)[2 marks]State two disadvantages of tidal power stations.
(c)[1 mark]Explain one reason why a gas-fired power station can quickly respond to sudden demand, but a tidal power station cannot.