GCSE Questions: Energy Sources

Q4. Electricity can be generated using various energy sources.

(a) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear power stations rather than gas-fired power stations to generate electricity. [2 marks]

(b)

(i) A single wind turbine has a maximum power output of 2 MW. The wind turbine operated continuously at maximum power for 6 hours.

Calculate the energy output in kilowatt-hours of the wind turbine. Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet. [2 marks]

(ii) Why, on average, do wind turbines operate at maximum power output for only 30% of the time? [1 mark]

(c) An on-shore wind farm is made up of many individual wind turbines. They are connected to the National Grid using underground power cables.

Give one advantage of using underground power cables rather than overhead power cables. [1 mark]

(Total 6 marks)