AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers renewable and non-renewable energy resources, uses for transport, electricity and heating, reliability, environmental impact and changing patterns of use.
4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources exam questions
3 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources
This AQA GCSE Physics section looks at the main energy resources used on Earth: fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, biofuel, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal, tides, the Sun and water waves. You need to compare them for reliability, environmental impact and use, and to explain why the pattern of energy use has changed over time. It is examined on Paper 1, often with data in tables or graphs. Examiners expect balanced, specific answers that link a resource's advantages and disadvantages to the scenario, and they are looking for evaluation, not a list.
What you need to know
- Main resources Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), nuclear fuel, biofuel, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal, the tides, the Sun and water waves.
- Renewable and non-renewable A renewable resource is one that is being (or can be) replenished as it is used. Fossil fuels and nuclear fuel are non-renewable; the rest on the list are renewable.
- Uses Energy resources are used for transport (mostly oil-based fuels, some biofuels and electricity), electricity generation and heating (gas, electricity, some solar and geothermal).
- Reliability Fossil fuels and nuclear give a reliable supply that can be matched to demand. Wind and solar depend on the weather; tides are predictable but vary daily; hydroelectricity can respond quickly to demand.
- Environmental issues Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (contributing to global warming) and sulfur dioxide (acid rain). Nuclear produces radioactive waste. Renewables can affect habitats and the landscape, such as dams flooding valleys and wind turbines being noisy or visually intrusive.
- Changing use and limits Use of renewables is increasing to reduce carbon emissions, but this is limited by political, social, ethical and economic factors such as cost, public opinion and the need for back-up supply.
Common mistakes in 4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources
- Saying renewable resources do not cause any pollution. Many have environmental impacts, such as habitat loss or visual pollution, even though they do not release carbon dioxide during use.
- Calling nuclear power renewable. Uranium and plutonium are non-renewable.
- Saying solar cells do not work when it is cloudy. They produce less electricity, and none at night.
- Giving vague answers such as 'it is bad for the environment'. Name the specific effect, for example releasing carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming.
- Ignoring the data in the question. Evaluation questions expect you to use figures from the table or graph.
Try three 4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources exam-style questions
1. Explain why a wind farm cannot be relied on to meet a sudden increase in demand for electricity. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The output depends on the wind speed (weather); which may be low or zero when demand rises, so output cannot be increased on demand.
2. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of generating electricity using nuclear power. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Advantage: no carbon dioxide released during generation, or reliable supply; disadvantage: produces radioactive waste that is hazardous for a long time, or risk of major accident, or high decommissioning cost.
3. A town is deciding between a gas-fired power station and a tidal barrage. Evaluate the two options. (6 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Gas: reliable and can respond quickly to demand; relatively cheap to build; but releases carbon dioxide contributing to global warming and is non-renewable. Tidal: renewable and no carbon dioxide in operation; tides are predictable; but high building cost, output varies through the day, can affect estuary habitats and shipping. A judgement linked to these points, for example tidal is better long term for reducing emissions if back-up supply is available.
4.1.3 National and Global Energy Resources FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.3 National and global energy resources cover?
It covers the main renewable and non-renewable energy resources, what they are used for, how reliable they are, their environmental impacts and why patterns of energy use change.
Which paper is energy resources examined in?
It is part of the Energy topic on AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1.
How do I answer six-mark energy resource questions?
Give advantages and disadvantages of each option, refer to reliability, cost and environmental impact with specific reasons, use any data provided, and finish with a justified conclusion.
