Energy Resources and Electricity Generation
4 marks · EasyA 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.
Describe how a solar heating panel warms water for use in a home.
State one advantage and one disadvantage of using solar heating compared to using natural gas.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) Solar heating panels absorb thermal radiation from the Sun. The heat is transferred to water as it passes through pipes, which are usually made of copper and have a matt black surface to absorb more energy. · must show solar panel absorbs sunlight, heats water in pipes, mention of material (e.g. copper, black surface)
(b) Advantage: Solar heating uses a renewable resource and does not release greenhouse gases. Disadvantage: It depends on the weather/sunlight so may not provide enough hot water on cloudy days. · must show one valid advantage, one valid disadvantage
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Mentions absorption of sunlight/thermal radiation by the solar panel.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Explains heat transferred to water as it passes through copper pipes (accept mention of black surface or good conductor).
B3 (b) · 1 mark · One valid advantage (e.g. renewable/resource, does not release greenhouse gases).
B4 (b) · 1 mark · One valid disadvantage (e.g. sunlight/weather dependent, may not always be sufficient).
Worked solution
a) Solar heating panels work by absorbing sunlight (thermal radiation). The energy is absorbed by a black copper surface, heating water passing through pipes.
b) Advantage: Solar heating uses renewable energy and does not emit greenhouse gases. Disadvantage: It relies on sunny weather, so may not consistently supply hot water.