AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2022: Question 1

9 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Calculate the mean power needed for 1 home from a wind farm, suggest reasons why wind power could not meet total UK demand, explain how oiling turbine parts affects efficiency, and explain why people should be encouraged to use energy-efficient electrical devices.

Practise this question

Question

Figure 1 shows an offshore wind farm with numerous wind turbines in the sea. The question text states the mean power output of the wind farm is 696 MW for 580,000 homes, followed by four sub-questions involving power calculations, limitations of wind power, turbine efficiency when oiled, and the benefits of energy-efficient devices.
Question text

01 Figure 1 shows a large wind farm off the coast of the UK.

Figure 1

The mean power output of the wind farm is 696 MW, which is enough power for

580000 homes.

01.1 Calculate the mean power needed for 1 home.

Give your answer in watts.

[2 marks]

Mean power needed for 1 home =3 W

01.2 On one day the demand for electricity in the UK was 34000 MW.

Suggest two reasons why wind power was not able to meet this demand.

[2 marks]

01.3 Some of the energy from the wind used to rotate a wind turbine is wasted.

An engineer oils the mechanical parts of a wind turbine.

Explain how oiling would affect the efficiency of the wind turbine.

[3 marks]

01.4 In most homes in the UK there are many different electrical devices.

Explain why people should be encouraged to use energy efficient electrical devices.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme provides answers and marking criteria for four parts: 01.1 calculates 1200 W per home requiring unit conversion; 01.2 accepts two reasons such as unreliability, low wind, or insufficient turbines; 01.3 explains efficiency increases because oiling reduces friction and wasted energy; 01.4 explains energy-efficient devices waste less energy, minimizing overall demand and environmental impact.

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

01.1 P = 696 000 000 (W) 1 AO2

4.1.3

P = 1200 (W) allow an answer consistent with 1

their incorrectly / not converted

value of P

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.2 any 2 from: 2 AO2

• wind is unreliable allow it was not windy (on that 4.1.3

day)

• wind turbines don’t turn when

the wind is too strong/weak

• there are not enough wind

turbines (in the UK)

allow some wind turbines may

be offline for maintenance

allow energy from wind may not

be enough (to generate 34 000

MW)

ignore weather conditions

unqualified

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.3 the efficiency would increase 1 AO3

because the percentage / ignore more electricity 1 AO1

proportion / amount of energy generated

usefully transferred would

increase

or

because the percentage / allow less energy wasted

proportion / amount of energy

wasted would decrease AO1

– HYSICS – – 4.1.2.1

(because) less (work is done 1 4.1.2.2

against) friction

AO /

Spec. Ref.

01.4 more efficient devices waste ignore use less electricity 1 AO3

less energy 4.1.2.2

or 4.1.3

more efficient devices need a

lower energy input (for the same

energy output)

which would minimise the allow less electricity needs to be 1

electricity / energy demand generated

allow lower energy / electricity

bill

or

which would minimise the allow examples of

environmental impact from environmental impact

(fossil fuel) electricity generation e.g. lower CO2 emissions

ignore ‘better for the

environment’ unless qualified

ignore answers that discuss

‘saving energy’ unless qualified

ignore answers that discuss

alternative methods of

generating electricity

– HYSICS – –

Total Question 1 9

Question 2

How to answer it

Energy Resources and Efficiency

What this question tests

This question assesses your understanding of renewable energy resources (wind power), unit conversions (megawatts to watts), efficiency calculations, friction in mechanical systems, and the environmental/economic reasons for energy efficiency in UK homes.

Question 01.1

Calculating Power for a Single Home

Calculate the mean power needed for 1 home. Give your answer in watts. [2 marks]

📐 Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Convert MW to W: 696 MW = 696,000,000 W (multiply by 10⁶).
  2. Divide by the number of homes: 696,000,000 / 580,000
  3. Final Answer: 1200 W

❌ Common Calculation Traps

  • Forgetting the unit prefix: Forgetting to convert Megawatts (MW) to Watts (W) will result in losing the first mark.
  • Arithmetic slips: Double-check your zeros when dividing large numbers in your calculator!
Mark breakdown: 1 mark for converting 696 MW to 696,000,000 W (or a calculation consistent with an incorrect power value); 1 mark for the correct final answer of 1200 W.
Question 01.2

Limitations of Wind Power

Suggest two reasons why wind power was not able to meet this demand (34 000 MW). [2 marks]

✅ Acceptable Answers (Any 2)

  • Wind is unreliable / it was not windy on that day.
  • Wind turbines do not turn when the wind is too strong or too weak.
  • There are not enough wind turbines in the UK to generate 34,000 MW.
  • Some wind turbines may be offline for maintenance.

❌ Common Examiner Pitfalls

  • Vague weather terms: Writing just "weather conditions" is too vague and will be ignored by examiners. Be specific about wind speed being too high, too low, or non-existent.
Mark breakdown: 1 mark for each of the two valid reasons suggested (max 2 marks).
Question 01.3

Friction and Efficiency

An engineer oils the mechanical parts of a wind turbine. Explain how oiling would affect the efficiency of the wind turbine. [3 marks]

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Friction: Lubricants like oil reduce frictional forces between moving parts.
  • Wasted Energy: Less energy is dissipated as thermal energy (heat) due to friction.
  • Efficiency Definition: Efficiency is the ratio of useful energy output to total energy input.

🧠 Structuring Your Answer

  • Point 1: State that the efficiency increases.
  • Point 2: Explain that less work is done against friction (or less energy is wasted as heat).
  • Point 3: Link this to a higher proportion/percentage of energy being usefully transferred.
Mark breakdown: Mark 1: Efficiency increases. Mark 2: Less work done against friction / less energy wasted. Mark 3: Greater proportion/percentage of energy usefully transferred.
Question 01.4

Energy Efficient Devices

Explain why people should be encouraged to use energy efficient electrical devices. [2 marks]

✅ Correct Answer Framework

  • More efficient devices waste less energy / need a lower energy input for the same output.
  • Consequence 1: This minimises electricity/energy demand, meaning less electricity needs to be generated.
  • Consequence 2: This reduces environmental impact (e.g., lower CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels) or lowers consumer energy bills.

❌ What NOT to Write

  • Avoid saying "better for the environment" without qualifying it (e.g., explaining *why* or mentioning carbon emissions).
  • Do not just write "saving energy" without explaining the knock-on economic or environmental benefits.
Mark breakdown: 1 mark for stating they waste less energy / require lower input, and 1 mark for linking this to reduced demand, lower bills, or reduced environmental impact.

Topics

Physics · P1: Energy

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.