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This question is about fuels and energy - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 1
This question is about fuels and energy. Figure 1 shows the percentage of electricity generated in the UK between 2007 and 2017 using: • oil • solar energy. Figure... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about fuels and energy - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe the changes in the percentage of electricity generated in the UK between 2007 and 2017 using: • oil • solar energy.
Answer
From 2007 to 2017:
- The percentage of electricity generated from oil decreased from 1.3% to 0.5%, reflecting a decrease of 0.8%.
- In contrast, the contribution of solar energy increased significantly, rising from 0% in 2007 to 3.4% in 2017.
Step 2
Explain the environmental effects of releasing these products of combustion into the atmosphere.
Answer
When oil is burned, it produces several harmful byproducts including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
- Carbon dioxide: As a greenhouse gas, CO₂ contributes to global warming and climate change, leading to increased temperatures, altered weather patterns, and rising sea levels.
- Sulfur dioxide: This compound can lead to acid rain, which harms ecosystems, damages buildings, and affects human health by causing respiratory issues. Overall, the release of such emissions can severely impact air quality and biodiversity.
Step 3
Suggest one reason why using solar energy is a more sustainable way of generating electricity than burning oil.
Answer
Solar energy is renewable, meaning it can be harnessed indefinitely without depleting resources, unlike oil, which is finite and produces harmful emissions when combusted.
Step 4
Suggest two reasons why.
Answer
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Sunshine is unreliable: Solar energy generation depends on sunlight, which can vary due to weather and time of day, making it less consistent than fossil fuel sources.
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Increased demand for energy: As energy needs grow, solar energy alone may not suffice to meet demand without substantial advancements in energy storage and grid solutions.