Powering Earth: OCR GCSE Combined Science A questions

Every OCR GCSE Combined Science A exam question on P6.2 Powering Earth, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 96 questions on Powering Earth, as a list

June 2025, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): Which energy source is non-renewable? A Biofuel B Nuclear fuel C Solar D Wind Your answer [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(a) (1 mark): The national grid uses alternating voltage. A simple circuit powered by a battery uses direct voltage. Explain the difference between alternating voltage and di
June 2025, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (4 marks): The wire has a resistance of 2.0 Ω. Calculate how much power is dissipated from the wire at 11 000 V. Use the equation: power = current2 × resistance Give your
June 2025, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (3 marks): The national grid transfers 8 000 kJ of energy from the power station every second. When the voltage across the wires is 400 000 V, the transformers and wires d
June 2025, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(b)(iii) (3 marks): Explain how step-up transformers allow the national grid to transfer energy more efficiently. [3]
June 2025, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(c) (1 mark): A UK mains plug has 3 wires: live, neutral and earth. Describe the function of the neutral wire. [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(a) (1 mark): The national grid uses alternating voltage. A simple circuit powered by a battery uses direct voltage. Explain the difference between alternating voltage and di
June 2025, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (4 marks): The wire has a resistance of 2.0 Ω. Calculate how much power is dissipated from the wire at 11 000 V. Use the equation: power = current2 × resistance Give your
June 2025, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (3 marks): The national grid transfers 8 000 kJ of energy from the power station every second. When the voltage across the wires is 400 000 V, the transformers and wires d
June 2025, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(b)(iii) (3 marks): Explain how step-up transformers allow the national grid to transfer energy more efficiently. [3]
June 2025, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(c) (1 mark): A UK mains plug has 3 wires: live, neutral and earth. Describe the function of the neutral wire. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(a) (1 mark): A student writes down advantages and disadvantages of wind turbines. Advantage Disadvantage A do not need fuel C do not produce carbon dioxide B produce renewab
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(b) (1 mark): The student writes down a list of renewable and non‑renewable energy sources. Renewable Non‑renewable hydroelectric coal solar wave The student has made one mis
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(c) (2 marks): It might not be possible to replace all non‑renewable energy sources with renewable energy sources to generate enough electricity in the future. Suggest two rea
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(d)(i) (2 marks): The student plots a bar chart using the data in the table. Draw a bar for gas and a bar for wind on the bar chart. 40 35 30 25 Electricity generated 20 (%) 15 1
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(d)(ii) (2 marks): The total electricity generated in the UK in 2020 was 315 TW h. Solar produced 4% of the total electricity generated. Calculate the amount of electricity genera
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(d)(iii) (1 mark): The total electricity generated in the UK in 2020 was 315 TW h. 1 TW h = 1 000 000 000 kW h What is the total amount of electricity generated in kW h? Tick (3)
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q15(a) (2 marks): Calculate the power output from the secondary coil. Use the equation: power = potential difference × current Power output = W [2]
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q15(b)(i) (1 mark): Name the type of transformer shown in the diagram. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q15(b)(ii) (1 mark): Where can this type of transformer be used in the national grid? Tick (3) one box. Between the power lines and homes Between the power station and power lines I
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q15(c) (2 marks): The energy input to the primary coil is 200 kJ. The energy output from the secondary coil is 180 kJ. Calculate the efficiency of the transformer. Use the equati
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(a) (1 mark): The heater is operating normally. What are the names of the two wires in the plug that carry a current? Tick (3) one box. Earth and fuse Earth and neutral Live
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(b) (1 mark): A live wire is accidentally connected to the earth wire in the house. This causes a large current to flow in the earth wire. This can cause electrocution. Sugge
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(d)(i) (1 mark): Describe one trend shown by Fig. 16.2. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(d)(ii) (1 mark): A current of 10 mA is passing through a human body. How long can the current pass through the body before the person has difficulty breathing? [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(d)(iv) (1 mark): Sensitive RCDs are designed to shut off the electricity supply within 40 ms. Suggest why this is an important feature for currents below 200 mA. Use Fig. 16.2.
June 2024, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q16(d)(v) (2 marks): An electrician has a choice of two different RCDs, A and B, to use in a house. RCD A RCD B Minimum difference in current needed between the live 10 30 wire and
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(a) (1 mark): The heater is operating normally. What are the names of the two wires in the plug that carry a current? Tick (3) one box. Earth and fuse Earth and neutral Live
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(b) (1 mark): A live wire is accidentally connected to the earth wire in the house. This causes a large current to flow in the earth wire. This can cause electrocution. Sugge
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(d)(i) (1 mark): Describe one trend shown by Fig. 11.2. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(d)(ii) (1 mark): A current of 10 mA is passing through a human body. How long can the current pass through the body before the person has difficulty breathing? [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(d)(iv) (1 mark): Sensitive RCDs are designed to shut off the electricity supply within 40 ms. Suggest why this is an important feature for a current of 200 mA. Use Fig. 11.2. [1
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q11(d)(v) (2 marks): An electrician has a choice of two different RCDs, A and B, to use in a house. RCD A RCD B Minimum difference in current needed between the live 10 30 wire and
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(a) (1 mark): Complete the sentences to describe how transformers are used in the national grid. Put a ring around each correct option. A step‑up / step‑down transformer incr
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(b)(i) (2 marks): Transformer A is used to decrease a potential difference from 240 V to 20 V. The current in the primary coil is 0.8 A. Calculate the current in the secondary co
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(b)(ii) (3 marks): Transformer B is used in a lighting circuit. The energy input to the primary coil is 175 J. The energy output from the secondary coil is 140 J. Calculate the ef
June 2024, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(b)(iii) (3 marks): A lamp is connected to the secondary coil of transformer C. The current in the lamp is 0.25 A. The resistance of the lamp is 800 Ω. The lamp is at its normal br
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Which part of the plug is connected to the metal case of an appliance? A C B D Your answer [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): A transformer has an output potential difference of 24 V. The output current is 5 A. What is the power output of the transformer? Use the Equation Sheet. A 0.21
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q10 (1 mark): Which diagram shows how transformers are used in the national grid? A Power station Step-up Power lines Step-down House transformer transformer B Power station
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(a) (1 mark): Which sentence is a disadvantage of using wind turbines? Tick (3) one box. They are a renewable energy resource. They make carbon dioxide. They make dangerous w
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(b) (1 mark): Which sentence is an advantage of using solar panels? Tick (3) one box. They can be used in remote locations. They generate electricity at night. They make acid
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(c) (1 mark): Which energy resource produces the most energy per kilogram of fuel? Put a ring around the correct answer. coal gas oil nuclear [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(d)(i) (1 mark): Which energy resource can be used to cope with the extra demand for electricity starting at X? Put a ring around the correct answer. tidal gas wind turbines sol
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(d)(ii) (1 mark): Use the graph to estimate the maximum demand for electricity. Maximum demand = GW [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(d)(iii) (3 marks): At 12:00, the demand for electricity is 34 GW. Calculate the percentage decrease in demand for electricity from 12:00 to 13:00. Use the equation: percentage dec
June 2023, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(d)(iv) (1 mark): Suggest a reason for the decrease in demand for electricity at 12:00. [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q2 (1 mark): Which diagram shows how transformers are used in the national grid? A Power station Step-up Power lines Step-down House transformer transformer B Power station
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): An electric plug contains a live wire, a neutral wire and an earth wire. Which statement is correct? A The neutral wire completes the circuit. B The neutral wir
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(a) (2 marks): Describe how the demand for electricity changes from 14:00 to 23:00. [2]
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(b) (2 marks): Explain why a gas fired power station is started at X. [2]
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(c)(i) (3 marks): Use the graph to calculate the baseload demand as a percentage of the maximum demand. Percentage = % [3]
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(c)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest a type of power station which is suitable for supplying the baseload. [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(a) (2 marks): The diagram shows a transformer. 18 000 A in 4500 A in secondary coil primary coil Potential difference Potential difference across primary coil = across 132 00
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(b) (1 mark): The manufacturer says, ‘The transformer is 98% efficient.’ Explain what this statement means. [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): What is the function of the neutral wire? A To bring current into an appliance B To carry current if there is a fault C To complete the circuit D To melt if the
June 2022, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): A remote control can be used to operate a television. Remote control Television Which row in the table describes how energy is transferred? Remote control Telev
June 2022, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(a) (3 marks): Transformers are used to transfer energy efficiently. This is a diagram of a transformer: Potential difference Potential difference Current through across prima
June 2022, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14 (6 marks): *14 Electricity in the UK is generated using renewable and non-renewable resources. The graph shows how electricity was generated in 2013 and 2018. Key: 2013 20
June 2022, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): A remote control can be used to operate a television. Remote control Television Which row in the table describes how energy is transferred? Remote control Telev
June 2022, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): What is the difference between alternating voltage and direct voltage? Alternating voltage Direct voltage A changes direction changes direction B changes direct
June 2022, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): This is a diagram of a transformer: Potential difference Potential difference Current through across primary coil across secondary primary coil = 250 A = 400 00
June 2022, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q13(c)(ii) (2 marks): The government wants all homes to have a smart meter by 2024. Describe how smart meters may change the way energy resources are used. Use your answer to (c)(i).
November 2021, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Which sentence describes a feature of the live wire in a plug? A It carries current to earth if there is a fault. B It completes the circuit. C It is at a poten
November 2021, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): Why are step-up transformers used in the national grid? A To generate alternating currents. B To increase the current from power stations. C To increase the vol
November 2021, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(f) (2 marks): Nuclear power is non-renewable and the plants can produce nuclear waste. Suggest two reasons why some countries still use nuclear power. 1 2 [2]
November 2020, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(a) (3 marks): Draw lines to connect each term with the correct description. Term Description National grid Increases voltage. Step-up transformer Decreases voltage. Network o
November 2020, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(b) (2 marks): Fig. 14.1 is a diagram of the wiring in a metal kettle. The diagram in Fig. 14.1 is incomplete. Use these words to label the 3 wires on the diagram. You may use
November 2020, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(c)(i) (2 marks): Using the data in the table, plot a graph of power loss against voltage and draw a line of best fit. 800 600 Power loss 400 (kW) 200 0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600
November 2020, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(c)(ii) (2 marks): Describe the relationship between power loss and voltage. You may use values from the graph or table in your answer. [2]
November 2020, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(c)(iii) (1 mark): Explain why the national grid is an efficient way to transfer energy. [1]
November 2020, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(a)(i) (3 marks): The resistance of each power line is 3 Ω. Calculate the current in power line 3. Use the equation: power = current2 × resistance Current = A [3]
November 2020, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain how power loss is reduced in the national grid. Use the values for power line 1 and power line 2 to help you. [3]
November 2020, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(b) (3 marks): In Fig. 14.1, an electrician wires an electrical socket next to a sink. Switch on electrical socket Sink Fig. 14.1 The switch on the socket is open. Explain why
November 2020, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q15 (6 marks): 15* A turbine contains a rotating blade. Fig. 15.1 is a diagram of a wind turbine and Fig. 15.2 is a diagram of a water (tidal) turbine. Turbine Fig. 15.1 Fig.
June 2019, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): This graph shows current and potential difference for the secondary coil of a transformer. 6 5 4 Current (A) 3 2 1 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 Potential difference (V) What h
June 2019, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(a)(i) (1 mark): Write down the source of electrical energy for each device. torch electric fan [1]
June 2019, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q14(b) (6 marks): Here is a diagram of a tumble dryer and an electric drill. Each appliance is wired differently. neutral wire M live wire metal plastic case case neutral wire M
June 2019, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): A hairdryer is connected to the mains with only two wires. Why will this hairdryer operate and be safe to use? A The wires are earth and neutral and the hairdry
June 2019, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(a) (3 marks): Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Give one example of each energy source to help explain your answer. [3]
June 2019, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(b) (2 marks): The national grid transfers energy from power stations to consumers. Explain how the national grid transfers energy in an efficient way. [2]
June 2019, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q14(c) (3 marks): This graph shows current and potential difference for the secondary coil of a transformer. 6 5 4 Current in secondary coil 3 (kA) 2 1 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 Potential di
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): An electric kettle is plugged into a socket. The kettle is switched on. A qualified electrician uses three voltmeters, V1, V2 and V3. Live wire V1 V3 Neutral wi
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(a) (2 marks): A teacher says: ‘As power increases, resistance increases’ Is she correct? Use data from the table to explain your answer. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(c)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why electricity companies charge for electricity using kWh. [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q12(d) (2 marks): The average electricity consumption per household changes every year. The graph shows how this changes from the year 2008 to the year 2015. 4800 4600 4400 Avera
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q13(a) (2 marks): State the two mistakes in the diagram. 1. 2. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q13(b) (2 marks): The national grid uses transformers. Explain how using transformers makes the national grid more efficient. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q13(c) (2 marks): Explain the difference between direct voltage and alternating voltage. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): Which sentence describes a renewable energy source? A An energy source that can be replaced in your lifetime. B An energy source that cannot be used again and a
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): In the UK, three wires are used in the domestic electricity supply. They are the earth wire, the live wire and the neutral wire. Which sentence is correct? A Th
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): The table shows some information about transformers. Use the equation: p.d. across × = p.d. across Current in primary coil × Current in secondary coil primary c
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q15(a)(i) (1 mark): Use the table to describe the relationship between power and resistance. [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q15(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain this relationship. Use ideas about resistance in your answer. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q15(c) (2 marks): Explain the difference between direct voltage and alternating voltage. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q15(d) (1 mark): The electric drill does not need an earth wire. Explain why. [1]

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