Renewable energy resources
3 marks · NormalA wind turbine is used to generate electrical energy in a remote village.
Describe the main energy changes that occur in the wind turbine to produce electricity.
State one reason why wind energy is considered renewable.
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(a) Kinetic energy of the wind is transferred to kinetic energy of the turbine (blades), which is then transferred to electrical energy by the generator.
(b) Wind will not run out/is naturally replenished by the Sun's energy.
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Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · States kinetic energy of wind is transferred to turbine blades.
A1 (a) · 1 mark · States kinetic is then converted to electrical energy (via generator).
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States wind is continually available or cannot run out.
Worked solution
a) The wind's kinetic energy turns the blades (kinetic energy), and this movement is converted to electrical energy by the generator. b) Wind is considered renewable because it is always available and is produced by natural processes (the Sun's heating of air).