Page 2 of 48

Mark schemes
(a) any two from:
1
• nuclear
• oil
• (natural) gas
2

(b) 4 (hours)
1

(c) a system of cables and transformers

1

(d) The power output of wind turbines is unpredictable

1

(e) 1500 / 0.6

1

2500 (wind turbines)

1
allow 2500 with no working shown for 2 marks

(f) Most energy resources have negative environmental effects.

1
[8]

(a) power output increases (to meet demand) due to people returning home from work / school
2
accept many electrical appliances are switched on (which increases
demand)
1
accept other sensible suggestions

(b) 00.00
accept midnight
1
allow answers between 00.00 and 04.00

(c) any two from:

• conserves fuel reserves

• spare capacity to compensate for unreliable renewable resources
• provides spare capacity in case of power station emergency shut-down
• so as to not make unnecessary environmental impact
2
[4]

Page 3 of 48
 (a) geothermal
3 1

nuclear
1

biofuel
1

(b) gravitational (potential)

1

kinetic
1

sound
1

(c) (i) 90% or 0.9(0)

an answer of 0.9(0) with a unit gains 1 mark
2

(ii) 60 (MW)
allow 10%
1

(iii) increased
1
[10]

(a) any one from:

4
• high cost of installing overhead power lines or underground cables or pylons
• high cost as (very) long cables needed
• amount of electricity required is too low
allow not enough (surplus) electricity would be generated
1

(b) Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written Communication
(QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response. Examiners should apply a
'best-fit' approach to the marking.

Level 3 (5 – 6 marks):
clear comparison of advantages and disadvantages of each method

Level 2 (3 – 4 marks):
at least one advantage and one disadvantage is stated for one method and a different
advantage or disadvantage is stated for the other method

Level 1 (1 – 2 marks):
at least one advantage or one disadvantage of either method

Level 0 (0 marks):
No relevant information

Page 4 of 48
examples of physics points made in the response

Advantages of both methods:

• both renewable sources of energy
• both have no fuel (cost)
• both have very small (allow 'no') running costs
• no carbon dioxide produced
accept carbon neutral
accept no greenhouse gases
accept doesn't contribute to global warming

Advantages of wind:
• higher average power output
produces more energy is insufficient

Advantages of hydroelectric:
• constant / reliable power (output)
• lower (installation) cost

Disadvantages of wind:
• higher (installation) cost
• variable / unreliable power output
• (may) kill birds / bats

Disadvantages of hydroelectric:
• lower power output
• (may) kill fish or (may) damage habitats
• more difficult to set up (within river)

Disadvantages of both methods:

• (may be) noisy
• visual pollution
ignore payback time unless no other relevant points made
ignore time to build for both
6
[7]

Page 5 of 48
 (a) any two from:
5
• cost per kWh is lower (than all other energy resources)
allow it is cheaper
ignore fuel cost
ignore energy released per kg of nuclear fuel

• infrastructure for nuclear power already exists

accept cost of setting up renewable energy resources is high
accept many renewable power stations would be needed to replace
one nuclear power station
accept (France in 2011 already had a) surplus of nuclear energy, so
less need to develop more renewable capacity for increased
demand in the future
accept France benefits economically from selling electricity

• more reliable (than renewable energy resources)

accept (nuclear) fuel is readily available
ignore destruction of habitats for renewables
2

(b) any two from:

• non-renewable
allow nuclear fuel is running out

• high decommissioning costs

accept high commissioning costs

• produces radioactive / nuclear waste

allow waste has a long half-life

• long start-up time

• nuclear accidents have widespread implications

allow for nuclear accident a named nuclear accident
eg Fukushima, Chernobyl
ignore visual pollution
2

(c) 0.48 (kW)

allow 1 mark for correct substitution
ie 0.15 = P / 3.2
an answer of 480 W gains 2 marks
an answer of 48 or 480 scores 1 mark
2

Page 6 of 48
 (d) the higher the efficiency, the higher the cost (per m2 to manufacture)
accept a specific numerical example
1

more electricity could be generated for the same (manufacturing) cost using lower
efficiency solar panels
or
(reducing the cost) allows more solar panels to be bought
accept a specific numerical example
1
[8]

(a) (i) high levels of infrared radiation (from the Sun)

6
allow lots of (solar) energy (available)
do not accept ‘heat’ for infrared
‘it is hot’ is insufficient
‘lots of sunlight’ is insufficient
1

(ii) reflected
1

(iii) boiler
correct order only
1

turbine
1

transformer
1

(b) 2 100 000 (kWh)

allow 1 mark for correct substitution i.e. 140 000 × 15 provided no
subsequent step
2

Page 7 of 48
(c) (i) only 1 wind turbine was considered
accept only one location is considered
1
or
other wind turbines may have generated more electricity
accept insufficient sample size

only 1 week’s weather was reported on

or
wind speed varies from one week to another
‘wind speed varies’ is insufficient
1

(ii) any one from:

• wind speed is too high / low
allow no wind
allow too windy
• wind is unreliable.
allow wind is variable
1

(iii) any one from:

• wind is a renewable energy source
• do not use fuel
• energy source is free
• do not release carbon dioxide
• do not release greenhouse gases
• do not release sulfur dioxide
• do not cause acid rain
• do not cause climate change
• do not cause global warming
• do not cause global dimming.
answer must be an advantage of wind, converse answers in terms
of fossil fuels are insufficient
accept do not release pollutant gases
‘no pollution’ is insufficient
1
[11]

Page 8 of 48
 (a) (i) infrared (radiation)
7
accept IR (radiation)
1

(ii) (heated) water turns to steam

ignore reference to fossil fuels
do not accept water evaporates to steam
1

steam turns a turbine

1

turbine turns a generator

accept turbine connected to a generator
1

(b) (i) (so the molten salts) can store large amounts of energy
accept there is a small temperature change for a large energy
transfer
accept heat for energy
1

(ii) 16 (hours)
an answer that rounds to 16 gains 2 marks eg 15.71
allow 1 mark for a correct substitution ie 2 200 000 = 140 000 × t
3

(iii) the number of daylight hours varies

less sunlight is insufficient
1

the (mean) power (received from the Sun per square metre) varies
accept an answer in terms of maximum possible electrical output
only possible during Summer for 1 mark
1

Page 9 of 48
 (c) (i) non-renewable power stations have higher Capacity Factors than renewable
power stations
1

fuel (for non-renewable power stations) is always available

reference to non-renewable power stations operating all the time is
insufficient
non-renewable energy sources are reliable is insufficient
1

(most) renewable energy sources are unpredictable / unreliable

accept (most) renewable energy sources depend on the weather
1

(ii) the (proportion of) time that solar storage power stations can generate
electricity is greater (than for other renewable energy sources)
1
[14]

(a) (i) water

8 1

heated
accept boiled or turned to steam
do not accept evaporated
1

generator
1

(ii) geothermal power stations provide a reliable source of electricity

1

(b) falling water

1
[5]

Page 10 of 48
 (a) advantage
9
any one from:

• produce no / little greenhouse gases / carbon dioxide

allow produces no / little polluting gases
allow doesn’t contribute to global warming / climate change
allow produce no acid rain / sulphur dioxide
reference to atmospheric pollution is insufficient
produce no harmful gases is insufficient
• high(er) energy density in fuel
accept one nuclear power station produces as much power as
several gas power stations
nuclear power stations can supply a lot of or more energy is
insufficient
• long(er) operating life
allow saves using reserves of fossil fuels or gas
1

disadvantage

any one from:

• produce (long term) radioactive waste

accept waste is toxic
accept nuclear for radioactive
• accidents at nuclear power stations may have far reaching or long term
consequences
• high(er) decommissioning costs
accept high(er) building costs
• long(er) start up time
1

(b) (i) 12 000 (kWh)

allow 1 mark for correct substitution eg
2000 × 6
or
2 000 000 × 6
or

an answer of 12 000 000 scores 1 mark

2

Page 11 of 48
 (ii) any idea of unreliability, eg

• wind is unreliable
reference to weather alone is insufficient
• shut down if wind too strong / weak
• wind is variable
1

(c) any one from:

• cannot be seen
• no hazard to (low flying) aircraft / helicopters
• unlikely to be or not damaged / affected by (severe) weather
unlikely to be damaged is insufficient
• (normally) no / reduced shock hazard
safer is insufficient
less maintenance is insufficient
installed in urban areas is insufficient
1
[6]

(a) water moves (from a higher level to a lower level)

10 1

transferring GPE to KE
1

rotating a turbine to turn a generator

accept driving or turning or spinning for rotating
moving is insufficient
1

transferring KE to electrical energy

transferring GPE to electrical energy gains 1 mark of the 2 marks
available for energy transfers
1

(b) (TVs in stand-by) use electricity

accept power / energy
1

generating electricity (from fossil fuels) produces CO2

accept greenhouse gas
accept sulfur dioxide
1

(CO2) contributes to global warming

accept climate change for global warming
accept greenhouse effect if CO2 given
accept acid rain if linked to sulfur dioxide
1

Page 12 of 48
 (c) a factor other than scientific is given, eg economic, political or legal
personal choice is insufficient
1
[8]

(a) water heated by radiation (from the Sun)

11
accept IR / energy for radiation
1

water used to heat buildings / provide hot water

allow for 1 mark heat from the Sun heats water if no other marks
given
references to photovoltaic cells / electricity scores 0 marks
1

(b) 2 (minutes)

1.4 × 103 =

gains 1 mark
calculation of time of 120 (seconds) scores 2 marks
3

(c) (i) 150 (kWh)

1

(ii) £60(.00) or 6000 (p)

an answer of £6000 gains 1 mark
allow 1 mark for 150 × 0.4(0) 150 × 40
allow ecf from (c)(i)
2

(iii) 25 (years)
an answer of 6000 / 240
or
6000 / their (c)(ii) × 4
gains 2 marks
an answer of 6000 / 60
or
6000 / their (c)(ii) gains 1 mark, ignore any other multiplier of (c)(ii)
3

(iv) any one from:

• will get £240 per year

accept value consistent with calculated value in (c)(iii)
• amount of light is constant throughout the year
• price per unit stays the same
• condition of cells does not deteriorate
1

Page 13 of 48
 (d) any one from:

• angle of tilt of cells

• cloud cover
• season / shade by trees
• amount of dirt
1
[13]

(a) (i) 77
12 1

(ii) Oil
1

(b) water
accept H2O
1

(c) Carbon dioxide causes global warming

1
[4]

(a) (i) changing the distance may / will affect / change the voltmeter reading
13
accept so only one independent variable
accept distance affects speed of wind (turbine)
accept it is a control variable
accept to give valid results
fair test is insufficient
to make the results accurate is insufficient
1

(ii) any sensible practical suggestions, eg

• so fan reaches a steady / full speed

accept power for speed

• so wind (turbine) reaches a steady / full speed

• so voltmeter reaches / gives a steady reading

accept accurate or valid reading a correct reading is insufficient
do not accept precise reading
1

(iii) as the number of blades increases so does the (voltmeter) reading / output /
voltage
number of blades affects the reading / output is insufficient
1

Page 14 of 48
 further relevant detail, eg

• voltmeter increase is greatest up to 3 blades

• voltmeter reading hardly changes with 4, 5 or 6 blades

accept does not change between 4 and 6 blades

• increase is directly proportional up to 3 blades

• it reaches a limit
accept does not change after 4 / 5 blades

• a numerical example giving two pairs of numbers, eg 2 blades = 0.6V, 4

blades = 1V
1

(b) C
reason scores only if C is chosen
1

wind speed / strength varies

accept wind is not constant / reliable
1
[6]

(a) (i) produces carbon dioxide / nitrogen oxides

14
accept greenhouse gases
ignore pollutant gases
1

that (may) contribute to global warming

accept causes global warming
damages ozone layer negates this mark
accept alternative answers in terms of: sulfur dioxide / nitrogen
oxides causing acid rain
1

(ii) carbon capture / storage

answer must relate to part (a)(i)
collecting carbon dioxide is insufficient

or

plant more trees

or

remove sulfur (before burning fuel)

1

Page 15 of 48
 (b) (i) (power station can be used) to meet surges in demand
accept starts generating in a short time
can be switched on quickly is insufficient
1

(ii) can store energy for later use

accept renewable (energy resource)
accept does not produce CO2 / SO2 / pollutant gases
1

(c) (i) turbines do not generate at a constant rate

accept wind (speed) fluctuates
accept wind is (an) unreliable (energy source)
1

(ii) any one from:

• energy efficient lighting (developed / used)

use less lighting is insufficient

• increased energy cost (so people more likely to turn off)

accept electricity for energy

• more people becoming environmentally aware

1
[7]

15

allow 1 mark for each correct line

if more than one line goes from an energy source then all lines from
that energy source are wrong
[3]

(a) electrical
16 1

chemical
1

light
1

Page 16 of 48
 (b) 25% or 0.25
allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 50 ÷ 200 provided no
subsequent step shown
or
answers of 25 with a unit or 0.25 with a unit gain 1 mark
answers of 25 without a unit or 0.25% gain 1 mark
2

(c) the information board can be used anywhere it is needed

1
[6]

(a) any three from:

17
• gas can be switched on (and off) quickly but nuclear cannot
gas has a short start-up time alone is insufficient

• gas can be used to meet surges in demand

accept specific times from graph, anything from 1700 to 2200

• gas can contribute to / meet the base load

• nuclear provides base load

or
nuclear is used to generate all of the time
3

Page 17 of 48
(b) Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written
Communication (QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response. Examiners
should also refer to the information in the Marking guidance, and apply a ‘best-fit’
approach to the marking.

0 marks
No relevant content.

Level 1 (1-2 marks)

There is a brief description of one advantage or disadvantage of using either biogas
or wind
or
makes a conclusion with a reason.

Level 2 (3-4 marks)

There is a description of some advantages and / or disadvantages for biogas
and / or wind
or
there is a direct comparison between the two systems and at least one advantage /
disadvantage
or
a detailed evaluation of one system only with a conclusion.

Level 3 (5-6 marks)

There is a clear and detailed comparison of the two systems.

There must be a clear conclusion of which system would be best with at least one
comparative reason given for the choice made.

Page 18 of 48
Examples of the points made in the response
extra information

Biogas

• renewable

• energy resource is free

• reliable energy source

accept works all of the time

• does not depend on the weather

• uses up (animal) waste products

• concentrated energy source

• cheaper (to buy and install)

accept once only

• shorter payback-time (than wind)

• adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

when waste burns it produces carbon dioxide is insufficient

• contributes to the greenhouse effect

or
contributes to global warming

• no transport cost for fuels

Wind turbine

• renewable

• energy resource is free

• not reliable

• depends on the weather / wind

• will be times when not enough electricity generated for the farm’s needs

• dilute energy source

• longer payback-time (than biogas)

• more expensive (to buy and install)

accept once only

• does not produce any carbon dioxide

accept does not pollute air

Page 19 of 48
 accept pollutant gases for carbon dioxide
produces visual or noise pollution is insufficient
harmful gases is insufficient
6
[9]

(a) any one from:

18
• energy / source is constant

• energy / source does not rely on uncontrollable factors

accept a specific example, eg the weather

• can generate all of the time

will not run out is insufficient
1

(b) (dismantle and) remove radioactive waste / materials / fuel

accept nuclear for radioactive
knock down / shut down is insufficient
1

(c) any two from:

• reduce use of fossil fuelled power stations

accept specific fossil fuel
accept use less fossil fuel

• use more nuclear power

accept build new nuclear power stations

• use (more) renewable energy sources

accept a named renewable energy source
do not accept natural for renewable

• make power stations more efficient

• (use) carbon capture (technology)

do not accept use less non-renewable (energy) sources
2

(d) (by increasing the voltage) the current is reduced

1

this reduces the energy / power loss (from the cable)

accept reduces amount of waste energy
accept heat for energy
do not accept stops energy loss
1

and this increases the efficiency (of transmission)

1
[7]

Page 20 of 48
 (a) (i) an unreliable energy source
19 1

(ii) a renewable energy source

1

(b) plant / grow (at least) one new tree

1

(c) greater than 4%

1
[4]

(a) light
20
correct order only
1

electrical
1

(b) 0.2 or 1/5

accept 20% for both marks

allow 1 mark for correct substitution ie

answers of 0.2% or 20 gain 1 mark only

2

(c) any one from:

• produces no (pollutant) gases

or
no greenhouse gases
accept named gas
accept no air pollution
do not accept no pollution
accept less global warming
accept harmful for pollutant
accept produces no carbon
do not accept environmentally friendly

• produces no / less noise

• less demand for fuels

accept any other sensible environmental advantage
1
[5]

(a) (i) replaced faster than it is used

21
accept replaced as quick as it is used
accept it will never run out
do not accept can be used again
1

Page 21 of 48
 (ii) any two from:
two sources required for the mark

• wind

• waves

• tides
• fall of water
do not accept water / oceans
accept hydroelectric

• biofuel
accept a named biofuel eg wood

• geothermal
1

(b) (i) any two from:

• increases from 20° to 30°

• reaches maximum value at 30°

• then decreases from 30°

• same pattern for each month

accept peaks at 30° for both marks
accept goes up then down for 1 mark
ignore it’s always the lowest at 50°
2

(ii) 648
an answer of 129.6 gains 2 marks
allow 1 mark for using 720 value only from table
allow 2 marks for answers 639, 612, 576, 618(.75)
allow 1 mark for answers 127.8, 122.4, 115.2, 123.75
3

(c) (i) (sometimes) electricity demand may be greater than supply (of electricity from
the system)
accept cloudy weather, night time affects supply

or

can sell (excess) electricity (to the National Grid)

1

(ii) decreases the current

accept increases the voltage
1

Page 22 of 48
 reducing energy loss (along cables)
accept less heat / thermal energy lost / produced
1
[10]

(a) grid
22
accept any unambiguous indication
1

(b) (i) A (only)

1

(ii) D (only)
1

(c) less than

1
[4]

(a) (i) correct data point identified (4, 0.96)

23 1

(ii) a decrease in
1

(b) (i) no / less atmospheric pollution

accept specific examples eg no CO2 / greenhouse gases produced
accept no harmful gases / fumes
accept reduced pollution from transportation (of coal)
accept does not contribute to global warming
it / they refers to solar cells
do not accept no / less pollution
does not harm the environment is insufficient
it is a renewable energy source is insufficient
1

(ii) 8

allow 1 mark for showing correct method ie provided that no

subsequent step is shown

(iii) increase
1

(iv) these marks can score even if (b)(iii) is wrong

less / no electricity generated

accept energy for electricity
accept reduced power / voltage output
1

Page 23 of 48
 (because) lower light intensity (hitting solar panel / cell)
or
so decreases money paid / gained (from selling electricity)
allow less light / sun (hitting solar panel / cell)
1
[8]

(a) increases the voltage (across the cables)

24 or
decreases the current (through the cables)
1

reducing energy losses (in cables)

accept heat for energy
do not accept electricity for energy
do not accept no energy loss
accept wires do not get as hot
or
increases efficiency of (electricity / energy) transmission
ignore reference to travel faster
1

Page 24 of 48
(b) Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written Communication
(QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response.
Examiners should also refer to the Marking Guidance, and apply a ‘best-fit’
approach to the marking.

0 marks
No relevant content

Level 1 (1-2 marks)

There is a brief description of one advantage or disadvantage of using
either overhead or underground cables.

Level 2 (3-4 marks)

There is a description of some of the advantages and / or disadvantages
for both overhead and underground cables, with a minimum of three
points made. There must be at least one point for each type of cable.

Level 3 (5-6 marks)

There is a clear and detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages
of overhead and underground cables, with a minimum of five points made.
At least one advantage and one disadvantage for each type of cable.

examples of the points made in the response

marks may be gained by linking an advantage for one type of cable
with a disadvantage for the other type of cable
eg
overhead cables are easy to repair = 1 mark
overhead cables are easier to repair = 1 mark
overhead cables are easier to repair than underground cables = 2
marks

Overhead
Advantages

• (relatively) quick / easy to repair / maintain / access

easy to install is insufficient
do not accept easy to spot / see a fault

• less expensive to install / repair / maintain

less expensive is insufficient

• cables cooled by the air

accept thermal energy / heat removed by the air

• air acts as electrical insulator

accept there is no need for electrical insulation (around the cables)

• can use thinner cables

difficult to reach is insufficient
land beneath cables can still be used is insufficient

Page 25 of 48
Disadvantages

• spoil the landscape

• greater risk of (fatal) electric shock

• damaged / affected by (severe) weather

accept specific examples eg high winds, ice
more maintenance is insufficient

• hazard to low flying aircraft / helicopters

kites / fishing lines can touch them is insufficient
hazard to aircraft is insufficient

Underground
Advantages

• cannot be seen

• no hazard to aircraft / helicopters

• unlikely to be / not damaged / affected by (severe) weather

less maintenance is insufficient

(normally) no / reduced shock hazard

installed in urban areas is insufficient

Disadvantages

• repairs take longer / are more expensive

accept harder to repair / maintain
have to dig up for repairs is insufficient

• (more) difficult to access (cables)

hard to locate (cables) is insufficient
faults hard to find is insufficient

• (very) expensive to install

• thicker cables required

• need cooling systems

• need layers of electrical insulation

• land disruption (to lay cables)

accept damage to environment / habitat(s)
or
cannot use land either side of cable path
accept restricted land use
6

Page 26 of 48
 (c) examples of acceptable responses:
allow 1 mark for each correct point

• closest to cables field from underground is stronger

• field from overhead cables stronger after 5 metres

• field from underground cables drops rapidly

• field from overhead cables does not drop much until after 20 metres
accept values between 20 and 30 inclusive

• overhead field drops to zero at / after 50 metres

• underground field drops to zero at / after 30 metres

• (strength of) field decreases with distance for both types of cable
if suitably amplified this may score both marks
2

(d) ethical
1
[11]

(a) answers must be in terms of nuclear fuels

25
concentrated source of energy
idea of a small mass of fuel able to generate a lot of electricity
1

that is able to generate continuously

accept it is reliable
or can control / increase / decrease electricity generation
idea of available all of the time / not dependent on the weather
ignore reference to pollutant gases
1

the energy from (nuclear) fission

1

is used to heat water to steam to turn turbine linked to a generator

1

Page 27 of 48
 (b) carbon dioxide is not released (into the atmosphere)
1

but is (caught and) stored (in huge natural containers)

1
[6]

(a) (i) any one from:

26
• produces no (air / atmospheric) pollution
accept named pollutant eg CO2
accept no harmful gases
accept produces no emissions
accept does not add to global warming
environmentally friendly is insufficient

• energy (source) is free

accept no fuel costs
accept the wind / it is free
1

(ii) any one from:

• waves

• tides

• falling water
accept hydroelectric
do not accept water (flow)

• solar
accept Sun / sunlight
accept solar panels / cells

• geothermal

• biofuel / biomass
accept a named biofuel
1

(b) (i) 3000 (kilowatts)

accept 3 megawatts / MW
accept 3 000 000 watts / W
1

Page 28 of 48
 (ii) (average) wind speed below 6 m/s
answers giving a wind speed greater than 3 but less than 6 m/s
gain both marks
allow 1 mark for calculating the output as 500 kW (maximum)
and
allow 1 mark for wind speed too low or wind not strong enough
do not accept wind above 25 m/s
do not accept the turbines are frozen
2

(iii) A small amount of nuclear fuel generates a large amount of electricity.

both required

Nuclear power stations do not depend on the weather to generate electricity.

1
[6]

(a) 9
27
allow 2 marks for power = 1400 (kW)
if a subsequent calculation is shown award 1 mark only
or
allow 1 mark for correct substitution and transformation

power =

allow 1 mark for using a clearly incorrect value for power to read a
corresponding correct value from the graph
3

(b) (i) system of cables and transformers

both required for the mark
ignore reference to pylons
inclusion of power stations / consumers negates the mark
wire(s) is insufficient
1

(ii) (uses step-up transformer to) increase pd / voltage

accept (transfers energy / electricity at) high voltage
or
(uses step-up transformer to) reduce current
accept (transfers energy / electricity at) low current
ignore correct references to step-down transformers
1

Page 29 of 48
 (c) build a power station that uses a non-renewable fuel or biofuel
accept a named fuel
eg coal or wood
or
buy (lots of) petrol / diesel generators
1

stockpile supplies of the fuel

accept fuel does not rely on the weather
or
fuel provides a reliable source of energy
accept as an alternative answer idea of linking with the National
Grid (1)
and taking power from that when demand exceeds supply (1)
or
when other methods fail
or
when it is needed
answers in terms of using other forms of renewables is insufficient
1
[7]

(a) gas (burning)

28 1

(b) (i) (transmission) cables and (step-up and step-down) transformers

if transformers are named ie step-up transformer then both step-up
and step-down must be given
mention of power station or consumer negates mark
1

(ii) voltage
1

more efficient
1

(c) increase
1
[5]

Page 30 of 48
 (a) (i) energy from hot rocks in the Earth
29
accept heat that occurs naturally in the Earth
accept steam / hot water rising to the Earth’s surface
accept an answer in terms of the energy released by radioactive
decay in the Earth
heat energy is insufficient
1

(ii) water is pumped / moved

1

up (to a higher reservoir)

this mark point only scores if first mark point is awarded
1

(b) Marks awarded for this answer will be determined by the Quality of Written Communication
(QWC) as well as the standard of the scientific response.
Examiners should also refer to the Marking Guidance and apply a ‘best-fit’
approach to the marking.

0 marks
No relevant content

Level 1 (1-2 marks)

There is a brief description of at least one advantage or disadvantage for
either the planned wind turbines or the suggested electricity power link.

Level 2 (3-4 marks)

There is a description of advantages and disadvantages for
either the planned wind turbines or the suggested electricity power link.
or
A description of the advantages or disadvantages for both the planned
wind turbines and the suggested electricity power link.

Level 3 (5-6 marks)

There is a clear and detailed description of at least one advantage and
one disadvantage for both the planned wind turbines and suggested
electricity power link.

examples of the points made in the response

Page 31 of 48
Offshore wind turbines

advantages

• renewable (energy resource)

• low running costs

• energy is free

• no gas emissions (when in use)

accept a named gas eg CO2
accept no fuel is burned
accept less dependent on fossil fuels

• land is not used (up)

disadvantages

• unreliable – accept wind does not always blow

ignore references to destroying or harming habitats

• hazard to birds / bats

• visual pollution – do not accept noise pollution

do not allow if clearly referring to onshore wind turbines
do not accept spoils landscape

• difficulty of linking turbines to the National Grid

• large initial cost

• difficult to erect / maintain

accept a lot of maintenance needed

• CO 2 emissions in manufacture (of large number of turbines)

Page 32 of 48
 Suggested Link

advantages

• income for Iceland

• using Iceland’s (available) energy (resources)

accept using (Iceland’s) renewable energy (resources)
do not accept reduce the amount of Iceland’s wasted energy

• provide electricity when wind does not blow / reliable

• provide electricity at times of peak demand

• even out fluctuations in supply

• excess electricity from Britain (windy days) to Iceland and used to pump water up to
store energy

• Britain less dependent on fossil fuels

accept Britain needs fewer (new) power stations
accept conserves fossil fuels

disadvantages

• large initial cost

accept expensive (to lay cables)

• power loss along a long cable

• (engineering) difficulties in laying / maintaining the cable

accept difficult to repair (if damaged)
6
[10]

(a) can be replaced as fast / faster than it is used

30
accept will not run out
can be used again negates this mark
1

Page 33 of 48
 (b) any one from:

• reduce demand on power stations / National Grid (system)

• to increase the amount of electricity generated (from renewable energy)

• to conserve fossil fuels

accept use less fossil fuels

• plenty of animal waste / fuel (available)

accept so animal waste can be used usefully
accept to save money / sell the electricity
produces less harmful gases / SO2 is insufficient
better for environment is insufficient
1

(c) 60 (months) / 5 (years)

ignore any unit given
1

(d) answers must be in terms of the biogas generator

any two from:

• reliable energy source

or
does not depend on the weather
accept works all of the time

• uses up waste products

accept animal waste readily available

• not visually polluting

• concentrated energy source

• quieter
ignore it is renewable
do not accept generates more electricity (than wind turbine)
2
[5]

(a) (i) solar and wind

31
both required for mark either order
1

(ii) 37(%)
accept their two sources in a(i)
correctly added as an error carried forward (ecf)
1

Page 34 of 48
 (b) A
1

(c) gas is non-renewable

do not accept they are not all renewable
statements such as gas produces CO2 is neutral
1
[4]

(a) kinetic
32 1

(b) (i) generates a lot more energy / electricity / power

need fewer conventional large-scale hydroelectric power
stations is neutral

or

can supply (energy / electricity / power) to more homes

1

(ii) Large areas of land are flooded.

1

(c) (i) National Grid

this answer only
1

(ii) less energy / heat loss (from the cables)

accept wasted for loss
accept answers in terms of fewer transformers needed
do not accept less electricity lost / wasted
do not accept no energy lost
1

(d) any one from:

• fewer rivers (suitable for generators)

• less mountainous (so rivers fall smaller distances)

accept answers in terms of difficulty linking villages and towns to
grid (in Nepal)
accept answers in terms of more isolated communities
accept answers in terms of UK having more resources for
large-scale power stations
1
[6]

Page 35 of 48
 (a) marks are awarded only for the reason but must match the
33
ringed answer
for both marks a MAYBE answer should include a YES and NO
response answers in terms of the sources being renewable or
non-renewable are insufficient

any two from:

YES answers may include:

• wind produces no pollutant gases

accept wind burns no fuel
accept CO2 / SO2 / oxides of nitrogen / greenhouse gas for pollutant
gases

• nuclear produces no pollutant gases

accept nuclear burns no fuel

• (burning) gas does not produce SO 2

accept gas does not cause acid rain
do not accept they don’t / none produce pollutant gases

NO answers may include:

• nuclear produces radioactive waste

• (burning) gas produces CO 2 / pollutant gases / air pollution

accept contributes to global warming / greenhouse effect
2

(b) nuclear power stations use a non-renewable fuel

accept uranium / plutonium is non-renewable
do not accept some are unrenewable
1
[3]

(a) (i) kinetic

34
accept KE
do not accept movement
1

Page 36 of 48
 (ii) 0.75

allow 1 mark for correct substitution ie

or
75 %
an answer 0.75 % or 0.75 with a unit gains 1 mark only
an answer 75 with or without a unit gains 1 mark only
2

(b) any one from:

• large areas of land are flooded

uses large areas of land / takes up large areas of land is insufficient

• people's homes may be destroyed

• habitat (of animals and plants) lost / damaged

construct is neutral
very noisy is neutral
1

(c) (i) system of cables and transformers

both required for the mark
accept power lines / wires for cables
ignore reference to pylons
inclusions of power stations / consumers negates answer
1

(ii) less energy loss / wasted (in the cables)

accept heat for energy
do not accept no energy loss
do not accept electricity for energy
1

as the cables are shorter

1
[7]

(a) (i) decommissioning

35 1

(ii) level of radiation or radiation dose (to workers) decreased

accept the isotope / cobalt(-60) has decayed (a lot)
accept the isotope / cobalt(-60) has decayed in 2 half lives
accept exposed to less radiation
do not accept no radiation left
1

Page 37 of 48
 less hazardous / dangerous (to workers' health)
accept safer
do not accept there is no hazard
accept allows reactor to cool (down)
an answer of radiation levels decrease by 75 % or drops to 25 %
gains 2 marks
1

(b) (i) more in favour

or
fewer against
quoting figures alone is insufficient
do not accept it increases
ignore any reasons given
1

(ii) any one from:

• sample too small

• do not know how many (people) were asked

• different people asked (in different years)

• sample not representative (of population)

• people did not understand the questions

• do not know who carried out the surveys

do not accept they are biased unless acceptable reason for bias
given

• do not know if surveys asked same questions

1

Page 38 of 48
 (iii) any one from:

• no / less pollutant gases produced

accept a named gas
accept does not contribute to global warming

• reliable source (of energy / electricity)

• running out of fossil fuels

accept a named fossil fuel

• conserve fossil fuels

accept fossil fuels won’t have to be used

• meet increasing demand

• less reliance on imported fossil fuels / electricity

accept named fossil fuel

• concentrated energy source(s)

• lower transportation costs for fuel

• to replace old nuclear power stations

ignore references to efficiency / job creation / local economy /
selling electricity
1

(c) economic issues

1
[7]

(a) (i) 4
36
allow 1 mark for correct transformation and substitution

ie

substitution only scores if no subsequent steps are shown

2

(ii) diagram showing two output arrows with one arrow wider
than the other with the narrower arrow labelled
electrical / electricity / useful
1

(b) any one from:

• to check reliability / validity / accuracy

• to avoid bias
1

Page 39 of 48
 (c) any two from:

• produce no / less (air) pollution

accept named pollutant
accept produces no waste (gases)

• energy is free
accept it is a free resource
do not accept it is free

• (energy) is renewable

• conserves fossil fuel stocks

• can be used in remote areas

• do not need to connect to the National Grid

2
[6]

(a) (i) gas

37 1

(ii) one variable is categoric, the other is continuous

1

(iii) fuel is not burned

accept nothing is burned
do not accept they don’t use fossil fuels
1

(b) (i) boiler

1

steam
1

turbine
1

generator
1

Page 40 of 48
 (ii) any one from:

• wind
accept wind turbines

• waves

• tidal
accept tide

• geothermal

• solar
accept the Sun / sunlight
accept solar panels / cells
do not accept light

• falling water
accept hydroelectric
do not accept water
do not accept any named biofuel
1

(iii) 18 000
allow 1 mark for showing a correct method
ie 36 000 000 ÷ 2 000
an answer of 0.018 gains 1 mark
2
[10]

(a) (i) (dismantle and) remove radioactive waste / materials / fuels

38
accept nuclear for radioactive
do not accept knock down / shut down
1

(ii) increases it
do not accept it has a negative effect
1

(b) (i) if efficiency is not mentioned it must be implied

answers in terms of energy
generated only gains no credit

K most efficient
or
M least efficient
accept K and / or L are more efficient than M
1

Page 41 of 48
 (efficiency) of K and L increases, (efficiency) of M (almost) constant /
slightly reduced
all 3 power stations must be mentioned to get this mark
1

(ii) any two from:

• do not know how many (nuclear) power stations there will be

• power stations may continue to increase in efficiency

• do not know what type of power station new ones will be

accept new methods may be found to generate electricity / energy
accept other ways of generating energy may be expanded

• do not know future energy / electricity demands

accept we may become more energy efficient

• may be new uses for uranium

2
[6]

(a) all 4 lines correct

39

allow 1 mark for each correct line

if more than 1 line goes from a box in List A then all those lines are
incorrect
4

Page 42 of 48
 (b) all renewable
accept a correct description of renewable
eg replaced faster than used or never run out
do not accept can be used again
accept any other common feature
eg do not produce pollution /
polluting (gases)
no fuel is burnt
(energy input) is free
eco-friendly / environmentally friendly / natural resources /
sustainable sources are insufficient
1

(c) large areas of land are flooded

1
[6]

(a) (i) tidal / tides

40
do not accept water / waves
1

Page 43 of 48
 (ii) any three from:

• shorter journey time

accept easier to go from town to town
accept less petrol / fuel used

• less pollution from traffic

accept CO2 / carbon emissions reduced

• energy source is free

• energy source / tides are predictable

• produces less / no pollutant gases (than fuel burning power stations)

accept no CO2 / greenhouse gases produced
accept air pollution for pollutant gases

• conserves supplies of fossil fuels

• uses renewable energy (to generate electricity)

• provides employment

• no visual / noise pollution

less harm to the environment is insufficient
the electricity is cheaper is insufficient
do not accept produces no radioactive waste
the pollution mark scores twice only if it is clear one reference is to
traffic and the other is to electricity generation
3

(b) (i) (sometimes) electricity demand may be greater

than supply (of electricity from the system)
accept in case turbines / generators fail
or
can sell (excess) electricity (to the National Grid)
1

(ii) decreases the current

accept increases the voltage
1

reducing energy loss (along cables)

accept less heat / thermal energy lost / produced
1
[7]

Page 44 of 48
 (a) (i) 0.2 or 1/5
41
accept 20% for both marks
allow 1 mark for correct substitution answer of 0.2%
or 20 gains 1 mark
ignore units
2

(ii) wasted
accept transformed to heat / other forms
accept transferred to the air / surroundings sound = neutral
1

(b) (i) any one from:

• can fly at night

accept can fly when it is cloudy
accept as a back-up

• can stay in the air for longer

• can fly in the winter

• can fly faster

increases power is neutral
1

(ii) any one from:

• produces no (pollutant) gases

or no greenhouse gases
accept named gas
accept no air pollution
do not accept no pollution
accept less global warming
accept harmful for pollutant
accept produces no carbon
do not accept environmentally friendly

• produces no / less noise

• less demand for fuels

accept any other sensible environmental advantage
1

Page 45 of 48
 (iii) accept any sensible suggestion eg, map the Earth’s surface / weather forecasting /
spying / monitoring changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, etc
do not accept ideas in terms of transporting
accept use as a satellite
1
[6]

(a) (i) any one from:

42
• waves
do not accept water

• tides

• falling water
accept hydroelectric

• biofuel / biomass

• solar
accept sun / sunlight
do not accept light
accept solar cells / panels

• geothermal
do not accept heat
1

(ii) decrease
1

(b) (i) increases from 4am (to 8am) remains constant from 8am (to 10am)
accept increases from 30 000
accept stays constant from 40 000
allow 1 mark for goes up then stays the same
for full credit must be some indication of time or power
2

(ii) natural gas

1
[5]

Page 46 of 48
 (a) 1/25 or 1:25 or 0.04
43
accept 4 % or or 1 in 25 for both marks

allow 1 mark for total of 375

allow 1 mark for a clearly correct method using a clearly incorrect
total
do not accept 1:26
2

(b) (i) B
do not credit reason if B is not chosen
1

(only) burning fossil fuels produces carbon

dioxide / carbon (emissions)
or nuclear fuels don’t produce carbon dioxide
insufficient – smallest amount of fossil fuels
accept less carbon dioxide
1

(ii) accept anything reasonable eg

increased level of insulation

use energy efficient light bulbs

do not leave appliances on standby

switch thermostats down (1°C)

generate own electricity

install solar panels

accept insulate
accept specific examples eg loft
1

Page 47 of 48
(c) (i) any three from:

• no power output until wind speed exceeds 4m/s

• output rises rapidly after 4m/s

• output begins to level out / rises less rapidly at /

after 13m/s

• output peaks at 21 / 22m/s

• output constant between 21 / 22 and 25 / 26 m/s

• output falls (rapidly) after 25 / 26m/s

accept for 1 mark goes up then comes down
3

(ii) any one from:

• unreliable energy source

• dilute energy source

• take up too much land

accept wind does not always blow
accept need thousands / lots of turbines
ignore reference to visual / noise pollution
ignore reference to kill birds
1
[9]

Page 48 of 48