Powering Earth: OCR GCSE Physics A questions

Every OCR GCSE Physics A exam question on P8.2 Powering Earth, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 98 questions on Powering Earth, as a list

June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): What is the function of the earth wire in an electrical device? A To complete the circuit B To melt if the current is too high due to a fault C To provide a low
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(i) (1 mark): Write down the name of one renewable energy source from the list. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(a)(ii) (1 mark): Write down the name of one non-renewable energy source from the list. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Draw a curve of best fit on the graph. [1]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how the electricity generated by these renewable energy sources has changed between 2012 and 2022. [2]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(iii) (2 marks): Give two reasons why it is important that the trend shown on the graph continues. 1 2 [2]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(iv) (3 marks): Calculate the change in the electricity generated between 2012 and 2022. Use the graph. Change in electricity generated = TW h [3]
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q16(b)(v) (2 marks): Calculate the average change in the electricity generated by these renewable energy sources per year between 2012 and 2022. Average change per year = TW h / yea
June 2025, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(d) (1 mark): A high potential difference can be dangerous. Suggest how. [1]
June 2025, Paper 4 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): What is the function of the neutral wire in an electrical device? A To cause a potential difference between this wire and the earth wire B To complete the circu
June 2025, Paper 4 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): Which row describes the domestic mains supply in the UK? Type of voltage Voltage (V) Frequency (Hz) output A 50 230 alternating B 50 230 direct C 230 50 alterna
June 2025, Paper 4 Higher, Q23(b)(iii) (2 marks): The potential difference across the primary coil in the student’s transformer is 12 V. The student suggests that this transformer is the same as the type of tra
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q13 (1 mark): An electrician measures the potential difference (p.d.) between two different wires, X and Y, in a plug. The plug is wired correctly and working safely. The p.d
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q15 (1 mark): Which row describes the potential difference for a washing machine and for a battery-operated torch? Washing machine Torch A 6 V a.c. 6 V a.c. B 6 V d.c. 230 V
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q22(a) (2 marks): Draw: • one line to connect each type of transformer with the one box that describes what it does • one line to connect what each type of transformer does with
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q22(c) (2 marks): A teacher connects the primary coil of a transformer to the domestic mains supply. The teacher uses an oscilloscope to view the potential difference across the
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(b) (3 marks): The flow diagram shows energy transfers when electricity is generated in a nuclear power station. Water is heated Generator Steam turns Nuclear reaction and cha
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q2 (1 mark): Which row describes the potential difference for a washing machine and for a battery-operated torch? Washing machine Torch A 6 V a.c. 6 V a.c. B 6 V d.c. 230 V
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(a) (2 marks): Draw: • one line to connect each type of transformer with the one box that describes what it does • one line to connect what each type of transformer does with
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(c) (2 marks): A teacher connects the primary coil of a transformer to the domestic mains supply. The teacher uses an oscilloscope to view the potential difference across the
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q17(b) (3 marks): The flow diagram shows energy transfers when electricity is generated in a nuclear power station. Water is heated Generator Steam turns Nuclear reaction and cha
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(a) (2 marks): The predictions for winter 1 are: Predicted supply = 64.2 GW Predicted demand = 60.0 GW Calculate the percentage system margin for winter 1. Use the equation: p
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(b)(i) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons why the national grid predicts a range of values for the system margin. 1 2 [2]
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the predicted system margin for winter 2. 2 × range of values Use the equation: percentage uncertainty = 1 × 100% mean v
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(c)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why people working for the national grid may worry if the system margin is small. [1]
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(c)(ii) (2 marks): The electrical power that hydroelectric power stations are able to supply can be increased to help meet the customer demand. On one winter’s day: • the electric
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): The domestic supply in the UK is a.c. What does a.c. stand for? A Alternative charge B Alternating current C Amplitude charge D Amplitude current Your answer [1
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): This diagram shows the wiring inside an electric plug. Y Z X Which row shows the correct names of the three pins labelled X, Y and Z? X Y Z A earth neutral live
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): Energy use in the home can be measured in kW h. How do you calculate energy use in kW h? A Divide power in kilowatts by time in hours. B Divide power in watts b
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(a) (2 marks): Which two energy resources generated the least electricity in 2019? and [2]
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(b) (3 marks): Estimate the percentage of electricity generated using wind in 2020. Electricity generated using wind = % [3]
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(c) (2 marks): Two energy resources showed a significant change between 2019 and 2020. Give the names of these two energy resources. 1 2 [2]
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(d) (3 marks): From 2019 to 2020, the use of solar power changed from 3.9% to 4.2%. Calculate the percentage change in the use of solar power. Use the equation: (new value – o
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(e)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why. [1]
June 2023, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(e)(ii) (2 marks): In 2020, a news article stated: ‘The UK started up an old coal power station on Monday to meet the demand for electricity. The national grid confirmed coal was
June 2023, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(c)(i) (2 marks): A student says, ‘As the turns ratio doubles, the power loss halves.’ Use data from the graph to explain why the student is incorrect. [2]
June 2023, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why step-up transformers are used in the national grid. [2]
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q12 (1 mark): The diagram shows how a step-down transformer is used before electricity is transferred to houses. Step-down transformer P To houses Which row gives the correct
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q19(d) (1 mark): The water heater is plugged into the mains supply. The water heater has a metal case. Which wire(s) should be connected in the electric plug of the water heater
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q20(a) (6 marks): (a)* The use of coal and renewable energy resources has changed in the UK over time. The graph shows these changes. Key Coal Renewable energy 35 30 25 20 Percen
June 2022, Paper 2 Foundation, Q20(b) (2 marks): A power station has an output power of 2 × 106 kW. Calculate the energy produced by the power station in 3 hours. Give your answer in kW h. Use the equation: en
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(a)(i) (2 marks): Suggest a reason why energy output per second is zero when the wind speed is: 1 Less than 3.5 m / s. 2 Greater than 25 m / s. [2]
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(b)(i) (2 marks): State the amount of electricity generated by wind in 2012 in joules. 1 TW h = 3.6 × 1015 J Give your answer in standard form. Electricity generated = J [2]
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(b)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons for the change shown in Fig. 21.2. 1 2 [2]
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q21(c)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why the use of the transformer in (c)(i) reduces power loss in the national grid. [3]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Which of the following is a renewable energy source? A Coal B Hydro-electricity C Nuclear fuel D Oil Your answer [1]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q12 (1 mark): This question is about electricity at power stations and at homes. Which row in the table is correct? Voltage at the power station (V) Voltage in the home (V) A
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q20(c) (2 marks): How is energy transferred from the power station to the kettle? In your answer write about: • How electricity is distributed. • The type of voltage used. [2]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(a)(i) (3 marks): Table 23.1 shows the student’s results: Light intensity (W / m2) Potential difference (V) 0.05 0.8 0.10 1.2 0.20 1.5 0.40 1.8 0.80 2.2 1.60 2.5 Table 23.1 Plot
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(a)(ii) (2 marks): The light intensity is changed to 2.00 W / m2. Use your graph to predict the potential difference of the solar cell. Show your working on the graph. Potential d
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(a)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest one way the student could improve their investigation. [1]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(b)(i) (2 marks): More people use solar panels to generate electricity compared to twenty years ago. Suggest two reasons why. 1 2 [2]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(b)(ii) (3 marks): A homeowner fits solar panels to the roof of their house. Table 23.2 gives the energy values for the house for one day: Area of one solar panel 1.6 m2 24 m2 Are
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): The two statements describe the mains electricity supply: The a.c. potential difference between the earth wire and the live wire is X volts. • The a.c. potentia
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q17(a)(i) (3 marks): Table 17.1 shows the student’s results: Light intensity (W / m2) Potential difference (V) 0.05 0.8 0.10 1.2 0.20 1.5 0.40 1.8 0.80 2.2 1.60 2.5 Table 17.1 Plot
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q17(a)(ii) (2 marks): The light intensity is changed to 2.00 W / m2. Use your graph to predict the potential difference of the solar cell. Show your working on the graph. Potential d
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q17(a)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest one way the student could improve their investigation. [1]
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q17(b)(i) (2 marks): More people use solar panels to generate electricity compared to twenty years ago. Suggest two reasons why. 1 2 [2]
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q17(b)(ii) (3 marks): A homeowner fits solar panels to the roof of their house. Table 17.2 gives the energy values for the house for one day: Area of one solar panel 1.6 m2 24 m2 Are
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): The graph shows how the power generated by the wind in the UK varied over one day. 12000 10000 8000 Power generated 6000 by wind (MW) 4000 2000 0 0:00 4:00 8:00
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8 (1 mark): Which graph shows an alternating current (a.c.)? Current A Time Current B Time Current C Time Current D Time Your answer [1]
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q21(c)(i) (1 mark): The projector is connected to the mains power supply. The projector has an earth wire. State the potential difference between the earth wire and the live wire i
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q21(c)(ii) (2 marks): A projector with a plastic case does not need an earth wire. A projector with a metal case needs an earth wire. Explain why. [2]
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): The diagram shows a simplified version of the national grid. 2 3 1 To substation Power station Transformer Transformer The potential difference (p.d.) is differ
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(c)(i) (1 mark): The projector is connected to the mains power supply. The projector has an earth wire. State the potential difference between the earth wire and the live wire i
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(c)(ii) (2 marks): A projector with a plastic case does not need an earth wire. A projector with a metal case needs an earth wire. Explain why. [2]
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q18 (6 marks): 18* The UK generates some of its electrical power from wind turbines. Fig. 18.1 shows the total electrical power generated by wind turbines in the UK. The graph
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): Which statement describes the domestic electricity supply in the UK? A 50 V a.c. at 230 Hz B 50 V d.c. at 230 Hz C 230 V a.c. at 50 Hz D 230 V d.c. at 50 Hz You
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): Here are some graphs for the potential difference (p.d.) of four electrical supplies. Which graph shows a direct voltage? p.d. + A time – p.d. + B time – p.d. +
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q10 (1 mark): Which row in the table correctly describes how the national grid transfers electrical energy efficiently? Voltage Current Reason A High High To increase heating
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(d) (1 mark): Some scientists say nuclear fission is renewable. Other scientists say it is non-renewable. Suggest why the scientists disagree. [1]
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q7 (1 mark): Which statement shows energy resources that are all renewable? A Bio-fuel, wind, hydro-electricity and tides. B Fossil fuels, bio-fuel, wind and hydro-electrici
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q13 (1 mark): This is a diagram of a transformer used in the national grid. Primary coil Secondary coil 20 000 V 400 000 V Why is this transformer used in the national grid?
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(c) (2 marks): Nuclear fission can be used as a power source to produce electricity. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear power to produce electricity. adv
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q20(a) (2 marks): This house is near to a transmission line. Explain why radio waves may be produced by the transmission line. [2]
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q20(b) (2 marks): Explain why it is more efficient to transfer energy at high voltages. [2]
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q20(c) (5 marks): The transmission line has a power loss of 6.156 kW. Its resistance is 15.39 Ω. Calculate the current in the transmission line. Current = A [5]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(a)(i) (1 mark): Approximately how much did the total World’s energy use increase from the year 1971 to the year 2003? Answer = billion tonnes (oil equivalent) [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which energy source had the greatest use in the year 2003? [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(a)(iii) (2 marks): The total energy use in the year 2003 was 10.6 billion tonnes (oil equivalent). Approximately what percentage of this amount was due to fossil fuel use? Answer
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(b)(i) (2 marks): The future demand for fossil fuels is expected to increase. Give two reasons why scientists are worried about this increase in demand. 1. 2. [2]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(b)(ii) (2 marks): In the UK the government is closing coal fired power stations and planning for new nuclear power stations to be built. Suggest why the government wants more nuc
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(c)(i) (1 mark): Write down the full name of the device used to increase the voltage. [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(c)(ii) (1 mark): Why is it important to increase the voltage in these power lines? [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(c)(iii) (2 marks): The high voltages across the power lines are reduced to 230 V a.c. for use in the home. A phone charger changes the 230 V a.c. to a 5 V d.c. Explain the differe
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(d)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why the manufacturer gives a range for the power rating of the wind turbine. [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q23(d)(iii) (1 mark): Using just one domestic wind turbine may be an unreliable source of power for a house. State a reason why. [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q1 (1 mark): Which of the following correctly describes the domestic electricity supply in the UK? A 230 V a.c. at 50 Hz B 230 V a.c. at 60 Hz C 230 V d.c. at 50 Hz D 230 V
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(a)(i) (1 mark): Approximately how much did the total World’s energy use increase from the year 1971 to the year 2003? Answer = billion tonnes (oil equivalent) [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which energy source had the greatest use in the year 2003? [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(a)(iii) (2 marks): The total energy use in the year 2003 was 10.6 billion tonnes (oil equivalent). Approximately what percentage of this amount was due to fossil fuel use? Answer
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(b)(i) (2 marks): The future demand for fossil fuels is expected to increase. Give two reasons why scientists are worried about this increase in demand. 1. 2. [2]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(b)(ii) (2 marks): In the UK the government is closing coal fired power stations and planning for new nuclear power stations to be built. Suggest why the government wants more nuc
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(c)(i) (1 mark): Write down the full name of the device used to increase the voltage. [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(c)(ii) (1 mark): Why is it important to increase the voltage in these power lines? [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(c)(iii) (2 marks): The high voltages across the power lines are reduced to 230 V a.c. for use in the home. A phone charger changes the 230 V a.c. to a 5 V d.c. Explain the differe
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(d)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest why the manufacturer gives a range for the power rating of the wind turbine. [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q16(d)(iii) (1 mark): Using just one domestic wind turbine may be an unreliable source of power for a house. State a reason why. [1]

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