Q1.

Susie cooked sausages on a barbecue.

(a) Fat and water in the sausages changed state.

Draw one line from each statement to the correct change of state.
Draw only two lines.

statement change of state

2 marks

(b) Susie uses charcoal as the fuel for the barbecue.

(i) Which statement is true about all fuels?

Tick the correct box.

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 All fuels are
All fuels are black.
sources of energy.

All fuels are made

All fuels are solid.
from wood.

1 mark

(ii) Which gas in the air is needed for fuels to burn?

Tick the correct box.

water vapour oxygen

nitrogen carbon dioxide

1 mark

(c) The metal grill of the barbecue is made of steel.

Six properties of steel are given below.

Which properties are needed for the metal grill?

Tick two correct boxes.

It conducts electricity. It is rigid.

It has a very high

It is magnetic.
melting point.

It is shiny. It rusts.

2 marks
maximum 6 marks

Q2.
In a power station, coal can be used to generate electricity.

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(a) Use words from the box to answer the questions below.

chemical electrical gravitational potential

kinetic light sound thermal

1 mark

(i) What is the useful energy transfer when coal is burnt?

............................... energy is transferred to ............................. energy

1 mark

(ii) Some of the energy stored in coal is wasted when it is burnt.

Give the name of one type of energy released that is not useful.

...............................
1 mark

(b) Wind turbines are also used to generate electricity.

The wind turns the turbine blades and the turbine
blades turn a generator.

Use words from the box opposite. Complete the sentence to show the useful
energy transfer in a wind turbine and generator.

............................... energy is transferred to ............................. energy

1 mark

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 (c) Suggest one disadvantage of using wind to generate electricity.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) Sugar cane is a plant.

The sugar from the cane is used to make alcohol.
Alcohol is a fuel.

(i) Which energy source do plants use to produce

sugar?

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Is sugar cane a renewable or non-renewable source of energy?

Tick one box.

renewable source non-renewable source

Give a reason for your answer.

.............................................................................................................
1 mark
maximum 7 marks

Q3.
(a) The diagrams below show how much heat is lost from different parts of a house
every second.

Through which part of the house above is most heat lost?

................................................................

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 1 mark

(b) Part of the house is insulated to reduce the loss of heat.

This is shown below.

(i) Which part of the house has been insulated?

................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Explain your answer.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) The table below gives information about three fossil fuels that can be used to heat a
house.

energy Does the fuel produce these

fuel physical released substances when burned?
state when 1g is
sulphur
burned (J) water
dioxide

coal solid 25000 yes yes

oil liquid 42000 yes yes

methane gas 55000 yes no

(i) Which fuel in the table releases the least energy when 1 g is burned?

................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Methane can be compressed.

Which information in the table shows that methane can be compressed?

...............................................................................................................
1 mark

(iii) Sulphur dioxide causes acid rain.

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 Use the table to explain why burning methane does not produce acid rain.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
1 mark
maximum 6 marks

Q4.
The drawings below show six ways of providing energy.

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(a) From the drawings, give the names of two fossil fuels.

1. ..............................................................

2. ..............................................................
2 marks

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 (b) (i) What is the source of energy for a solar panel?

.........................................................
1 mark

(ii) Why can the solar panel not work at night?

.........................................................
1 mark

(c) What makes the blades of the turbine in drawing B go round?

..................................................................
1 mark

(d) Renewable energy resources will not run out.

From the drawings, give one energy source that will not run out.

..................................................................
1 mark
maximum 6 marks

Q5.
The drawing below shows a space buggy on the surface of Mars.

(a) The distance between Earth and Mars is 192 000 000 km.

It took a spacecraft 200 days to take the buggy from Earth to Mars.

Calculate the speed at which the spacecraft travelled.

Give the unit.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
2 marks

(b) The weight of the buggy was 105 N on Earth and 40 N on Mars.

Why was the weight of the buggy less on Mars than on Earth?

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 .........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) The buggy uses solar panels to generate electrical energy.

The solar panels generate less electrical energy on Mars than on Earth.

Give a reason why.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) The weight of the buggy was 40 N on Mars.

When the buggy landed on Mars it rested on an area of 0.025 m2.

Calculate the pressure exerted by the buggy on the surface of Mars.

Give the unit.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
2 marks
maximum 6 marks

Q6.
Zena has a model plane attached to a rod as shown below.
The plane is balanced by a sliding counterweight.

not to scale

(a) The rod is balanced horizontally.

(i) Calculate the turning moment produced by the counterweight about the
pivot.
Give the unit.

................................................................................................................

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 ................................................................................................................
2 marks

(ii) What is the turning moment produced by the plane about the pivot?

................................................................................................................
1 mark

(iii) Calculate the weight, W, of the plane.

................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................N
1 mark

(b) There is a solar cell on the surface of the model plane.

Zena connected the solar cell to the motor of the plane.
The plane moved in a circle around the pivot.

Part of the path of the plane was in a shadow.

What happened to the speed of the plane as it moved from bright light
into low light in the shadow?

........................................................................................................................

Explain your answer.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
1 mark
maximum 5 marks

Q7.
Keith has a wind-up radio.
It does not use batteries. It is powered by a steel spring.

(a) Keith winds up the spring.

As the spring unwinds, potential energy in the spring is transferred to a
generator, which then turns.

The generator provides electrical energy for the radio.

Fill the gaps in the sentences below to show the useful energy changes which

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 take place in the generator and the speaker.

(i) As the generator turns, ............................................................. energy is

changed to electrical energy.

1 mark

(ii) In the speaker, electrical energy is changed to

............................................................. energy.
1 mark

(b) When Keith turns the volume up so that the radio is louder, the spring
unwinds more quickly.

Why does the spring unwind more quickly?

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) The radio has a solar cell which can also provide electrical energy.

Keith winds up his radio and takes it outside without changing the volume.
The steel spring unwinds more slowly when sunlight falls on the solar cell.
Explain why.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) The wind-up radio was designed for use in poorer countries.

Suggest why wind-up radios are useful in poorer countries.

.........................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................
1 mark
maximum 5 marks

Q8.
The drawing below shows a garden water feature. It is solar-powered.

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 The solar cell absorbs energy from the Sun.
The solar cell is connected to a motor in the bowl.
The motor drives a pump.
Water is pumped up to the jug and it flows back down to the bowl.

(a) Use the information above to help you to complete the following sentences.
Choose words from the list.

(i) The useful energy change in the solar cell is from

light to .................................... energy.
1 mark

(ii) The useful energy change in the motor is from

electrical energy to .................................... energy.
1 mark

(iii) As the water flows from the jug to the bowl .......................................
energy is changed into .................................... energy.
2 marks

(b) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using a solar cell to power the
water feature.

advantage ....................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

disadvantage ................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark
maximum 6 marks

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Q9.
The drawing below shows a solar panel fixed to the roof of a house in Britain.

(a) Daniel measured the energy output from this solar panel during one day in June.
The graph below shows his results.

(i) Why does the energy output from the solar panel vary during the day?

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Daniel used the solar panel to run a motor.

The motor needs 0.7 kJ/s to run at full speed.
Use the graph to find out how long Daniel’s motor would run at full speed.

............... hours
1 mark

(b) Daniel measured the energy output from a different solar panel.
This type of solar panel turns so that it always faces the Sun.

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 The graph below shows the energy output for this panel during one day in mid-
summer.

(i) On the graph above draw another curve to show how the energy output for
this solar panel might vary on a day in mid-winter.
2 marks

(ii) Between 7am and 7pm the solar panel turns through an angle of 180°.
Calculate the angle the solar panel turns through each hour.

.............................................................................................................

.................................................................................................degrees
1 mark
maximum 5 marks

Q10.
The table below gives information about three fuels that can be used in cars.

shows a substance is produced when the fuel burns.

X shows a substance is not produced when the fuel burns.

some of the substances produced

energy
when the fuel burns
fuel physical released,
state in kJ/kg
carbon sulphur water

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 monoxide dioxide

petrol liquid 48 000

hydrogen gas 121 000 X X

ethanol liquid 30 000 X

(alcohol)

(a) Which fuel, in the table, releases the least energy per kilogram (kg)?

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

(b) Some scientists say that if hydrogen is burned as a fuel there will be less pollution.
From the information in the table, give one reason why there will be less pollution.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) Which of the three fuels in the table can be compressed into a small container?

...................................................................
1 mark

(d) Which gas in the air is needed for fuels to burn?

Tick the correct box.

carbon dioxide

nitrogen

oxygen

water vapour

1 mark

(e) Petrol and ethanol are both fuels. Petrol is made from oil.
Scientists say that oil could run out in 100 years.
In some countries people plant sugar cane and use it to make ethanol.

Sugar cane will not run out. Explain why.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 5 marks

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Q11.
The drawing shows Mark’s house. He uses three methods to generate electricity.

(a) Draw a straight line from each of the two methods below to the main energy
resource used to generate electricity.
Draw only two lines.

2 marks

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 (b) (i) The solar cells cannot work at night.
Give the reason for this.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) The wind turbine cannot generate electricity all the time.
Give the reason for this.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 4 marks

Q12.
Meera used the Internet to find out about energy resources. The drawing below shows
what Meera saw on her computer screen.

© 1996-2002 Ask Jeeves, Inc

(a) Coal is a fossil fuel.

Give the names of two other fossil fuels in the list on the screen.

.....................................................and.....................................................
2 marks

(b) (i) Wave energy is an example of a renewable energy resource.

From the list on the screen above choose two other renewable energy
resources.

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 .....................................................and.....................................................
2 marks

(ii) Meera found out how wave energy can be used to generate electricity.
She saw the diagram below on the Internet.

Each box below shows a stage in generating electricity.

A The air turns the turbine.

The turbine turns the

B
generator.

The waves move up the

C
chamber.

The generator produces

D
electricity.

The waves push the air up

E
the chamber.

On the lines below write the letters of the stages in the correct order.
Two have been done for you.

.....C..... ........... ......A...... ........... ............

2 marks
Maximum 6 marks

Q13.
(a) The photographs show ways of getting energy from three different energy

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 resources.

On the line under each photograph write the name of the energy resource.
Choose from the list below.

batteries biomass wind sunlight tides

3 marks

(i)

(ii)

Photograph by Solarworks

(iii)

Photograph provided by Robert Harding Picture Library

(b) Name one fossil fuel.

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 ……………………………………………………………………………………….
1 mark

(c) Complete the sentence below.

The purpose of the machine in photograph (i) is to generate ………………..

1 mark
Maximum 5 marks

Q14.
Some pupils are designing a web page about energy resources. Their design is shown
below. It is not quite finished.

(a) To complete the web page, the pupils want to add a drawing of some fossil fuels.
Give the names of two fossil fuels.

1. ..................................................................…

2. ..................................................................…
2 marks

(b) Four energy resources are labelled on the web page:

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 water behind dams the wind fossil fuels wood

How many of these can be used to generate electricity?

......................................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 3 marks

Q15.
The tides can be used to generate electricity. A dam is built across a river estuary, as
shown below.

(a) The water is higher on one side of the dam than on the other. As the water begins to
flow through the dam it turns a turbine. The turbine generates electricity.
Describe the useful energy changes which take place in this process.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
2 marks

(b) Explain why tides are classified as a renewable energy source.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) Give one way, other than from the tides, of generating electricity by using the sea.

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) Apart from cost, give one advantage and one disadvantage of an oil-fired power
station compared with a tidal power station.

advantage ....................................................................................................

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 .....................................................................................................................

disadvantage ...............................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
2 marks
Maximum 6 marks

Q16.
In a hot-air balloon, propane is burned. This reaction is used to heat the air in the balloon.

(a) in each propane molecule, carbon and hydrogen atoms are held together by bonds
as shown below.

The equation for the burning of propane is:

C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

(i) Carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds are broken during the reaction.
State another chemical bond that is broken in this reaction.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) What new chemical bonds are formed during the burning of propane?

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
2 marks

(b) Energy is required to break chemical bonds, but energy is released when chemical
bonds are formed.

In the reaction of propane and oxygen, the total energy required to break bonds is
less than the total energy released by forming new bonds.

What is the evidence for this?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 4 marks

Q17.
Fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, but over half of the world’s population uses
biomass as a fuel.

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(a) What is ‘biomass’, which is used as a fuel?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(b) Biomass and fossil fuels are both energy resources. What is the original
source of this energy?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) Give the names of three fossil fuels which are often burned to generate electricity.

1. ........................................................

2. ........................................................

3. ........................................................
1 mark

(d) Fossil fuels are often described as non-renewable energy resources.

Explain why they are called ‘non-renewable’.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(e) There are advantages and disadvantages of burning different fuels.

(i) Give one advantage of using biomass rather than fossil fuel as an
energy resource.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Give one advantage of using fossil fuel rather than biomass as an
energy resource.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(iii) Give one disadvantage of using both fossil fuel and biomass.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 7 marks

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Q18.
Peter burns a piece of crispbread to find out how much energy is stored in it. Energy from
the burning crispbread raises the temperature of the water in the test-tube.

(a) Describe one way Peter has arranged the apparatus so that he is working safely.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
2 marks

(b) Peter wants to find out if potato crisps contain as much energy as crispbread. He
does the experiment again using a piece of potato crisp.

Suggest two things he must do to make the experiment a fair test.

1. .................................................................................................................

2. .................................................................................................................
1 mark

The table shows some of the nutritional information from a packet of crispbread and
a packet of potato crisps.

(c) Peter burns 1.0 g of potato crisp instead of 1.0 g of crispbread in a similar
experiment. What result will he get when he burns the potato crisp? Tick the correct
box.

The change in the temperature of the water will be greater.

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 The change in the temperature of the water will be the same.

The change in the temperature of the water will be smaller.

There will be no change in the temperature of the water.

1 mark

(d) (i) Fibre contains energy. Explain why this energy can not be used by the
human body.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Use the table in part (b) to give two reasons for choosing crispbread rather
than potato crisps as part of a balanced diet.

1. .........................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

2. .........................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
2 marks

(e) Crispbread does not contain vitamin C. Which of the foods in the list below is the
best source of vitamin C?
Tick the correct box.

cheese eggs fish oranges

1 mark
Maximum 8 marks

Q19.
The drawing shows what happens to most of the energy in the food that a hen eats in
one day.

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 (a) In the cells of the hen's body, energy is released from food by respiration
Complete the word equation for this process.

Glucose + …………….……… → ……….………………… + ………………………..

1 mark

(b) (i) Calculate the total energy which remains in the body of the hen

.............................................................................................................

........................................................................................................ kJ
1 mark

(ii) What is this energy used for?

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) Suggest how farmers might reduce the amount of energy which hens lose each day
by thermal transfer.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) Farmers can reduce the amount of energy which is transferred by movement and
thermal transfer from hens. Suggest two reasons why this is cost-effective.

1. .................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................

2. .................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
2 marks
Maximum 6 marks

Q20.
(a) A torch battery is an energy resource. How is the energy stored in a torch battery?
Tick the correct box.

Page 26 of 61
 as chemical energy

as kinetic energy

as potential energy

as thermal energy

1 mark

(b) When a torch is switched on, energy is transferred from the battery to the bulb.
How is energy transferred from the battery to the bulb?
Tick the correct box.

by electricity

by light

by sound

by thermal energy

1 mark

(c) Energy is transferred from the torch bulb to the surroundings.

Choose from the following terms to complete the sentences.

electricity light sound thermal transfer

(i) Energy is transferred from the torch bulb to the surroundings in a

useful way by ...............................................

1 mark

(ii) Some energy is wasted. The wasted energy is transferred from the

bulb to the surroundings by ...............................................

1 mark

(d) The torch is lifted up and put on a high shelf.

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 Energy is transferred to the torch as it is lifted up. The energy is stored in the torch
while it stays on the shelf.
What energy has the torch gained?

....................................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 5 marks

Q21.
(a) Many substances burn. Some of them are used as fuels. Some fuels are burned in
power stations to generate electricity.

Tick the boxes by the two fuels which are most often burned in power stations.

coal

paraffin wax

natural gas

petrol

paper

2 marks

(b) Burning fuels can pollute the air.

Give two substances which pollute the environment when fuels burn.

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 1 .................................................................................................................

2 .................................................................................................................
2 marks

(c) Some power stations do not burn fuels. They use other energy resources to
generate electricity.

Give two energy resources which are not fuels and which are used to
generate electricity.

1 .................................................................................................................

2 .................................................................................................................
2 marks
Maximum 6 marks

Q22.
Oil is an important energy resource. It provides about 38% of the energy used for
transport, heating and generating electricity.

(a) The energy stored in oil came from the Sun.

Describe how energy from the Sun became stored in oil.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
2 marks

(b) (i) Oil can be described as a non-renewable energy resource. Explain why.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Tick the boxes by two other non-renewable energy resources.

coal wind

solar tidal

natural gas wave

2 marks
Maximum 5 marks

Q23.

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 Coal is a non-renewable energy resource.

(a) Give two other non-renewable energy resources.

1. ..................................................................................................................

2. ..................................................................................................................
2 marks

Wood is a renewable energy resource.

(b) Why can wood be described as a renewable energy resource?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) Give two other renewable energy resources.

1. ..................................................................................................................

2. ..................................................................................................................
2 marks

(d) Complete the statement below to describe what happens when wood burns.

When wood burns, chemical energy in the wood is transformed

into .............................. energy, which is transferred to the surroundings.

1 mark
Maximum 6 marks

Q24.
Each of these things found in the home uses a different fuel.

Draw one line from each item to the fuel it uses.

Use each fuel only once.

Page 30 of 61
 3 marks
Maximum 5 marks

Q25.
Energy comes from a variety of sources.

Complete the table below.

The first one has been done for you.

source of energy

energy directly from indirectly not from the

source the Sun from the Sun Sun

nuclear

hydro-electric

solar

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 geothermal

oil
5 marks

Q26.
Three ways of generating electricity are shown in the table.

method of generating electricity average power output

thermal power station 1000 MW

wind turbine 0.5 MW

0.3 m2 solar cell 6W

A small offshore island with a population of 1000 has yet to be provided with a mains
electricity supply. It is expected that the island will need an average of 250 watts per
person, but in winter this may rise to 1000 watts (1 kW) per person.

(a) Calculate the area of land on the island which would have to be covered by solar
cells in order to generate electricity at the same average power as one wind
turbine (0.5 MW). Give the unit.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

(b) The islanders decided against using solar cells. They were left with a choice of
being connected to the national grid by undersea cable or of having a single wind
turbine. The capital costs of each choice are nearly the same but it costs twice as
much to buy a unit of energy from the national grid as to obtain one from the wind
turbine.

The islanders chose to be connected by undersea cable to the national grid.

(i) Use the information above to suggest one disadvantage of the wind turbine
which may have influenced their decision.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Suggest one other disadvantage of the wind turbine.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 3 marks

Page 32 of 61
Mark schemes

Q1.
(a)

if more than one line is drawn from either ‘fat melted’ or

‘water evaporated’, award no mark for that statement
2 (L3)

(b) (i) • All fuels are sources of energy.

if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L3)

(ii) • oxygen
if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L4)

(c) • It is rigid.

• It has a very high melting point.

if more than two boxes are ticked, deduct one
mark for each incorrect tick
minimum mark zero
2 (L4)
[6]

Q2.
(a) (i) • chemical
answers must be in the correct order
1 (L6)

• thermal
accept ‘kinetic’
‘heat’ is insufficient
‘movement’ is insufficient
1 (L6)

(ii) any one from

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 • sound

• light
1 (L6)

(b) • kinetic
electrical
answers must be in the correct order
both answers are required for the mark
‘movement’ is insufficient for kinetic
1 (L6)

(c) any one from

• the wind speed varies

accept ‘it depends on the weather’

• sometimes the wind does not blow

accept ‘the wind is unreliable’

• the wind cannot be controlled

accept ‘it varies’
accept ‘it could be too windy’
responses that do not refer to wind, such as ‘they spoil the
landscape’ or ‘they kill birds’ or ‘they are too noisy’ or
‘interfere with TV and radio signals’ are insufficient
1 (L5)

(d) (i) • Sun(light)

accept ‘light’
accept ‘solar (energy)’
do not accept ‘heat’
‘photosynthesis’ is insufficient
1 (L5)

(ii) • renewable source

both the correct answer and a correct explanation are
required for the mark

you can grow more plants

accept ‘you grow it (again)’
do not accept ‘you can use it again’
‘it is a biofuel’ is insufficient
1 (L6)
[7]

Q3.
(a) walls
1 (L3)

(b) (i) roof

1 (L3)

(ii) any one from

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 • it now loses 700 (J)
accept ‘it is only 700’
‘it is 700’ is insufficient

• the energy is less (than before)

accept ‘it was 3 400 (J)’

• the energy or heat is different

accept ‘it has gone down’

• all the others do not change

accept ‘insulation reduces heat loss’
‘insulation keeps heat in’ is insufficient
1 (L4)

(c) (i) coal

‘solid’ is insufficient
‘25 000 J’ is insufficient
1 (L4)

(ii) it is a gas
accept ‘physical state’
1 (L4)

(iii) no sulphur dioxide (is given off)

accept ‘it says no in the sulphur dioxide column’
do not accept ‘it has no sulphur dioxide in it’
accept ‘there is no sulphur in it’
1 (L4)
[6]

Q4.
(a) • coal
1 (L4)

• gas
accept ‘coal fire’ or ‘A’
accept ‘gas boiler’ or ‘D’
answers may be in either order
accept ‘petrol’ or ‘petrol generator’ or ‘C’ or ‘oil’
answer may be in either order
‘fire’ is insufficient
‘boiler’ is insufficient
‘generator’ is insufficient
1 (L4)

(b) (i) • the Sun

accept ‘solar energy’ or ‘solar’
accept ‘light’ or ‘sunlight’

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 references to heat are insufficient
1 (L4)

(ii) any one from

• it is dark

• no light

• the Sun has set

accept ‘it needs light’
accept ‘no Sun’
references to heat are insufficient
1 (L3)

(c) • wind
accept ‘moving air’ or ‘air’
accept ‘air currents’
1 (L3)

(d) any one from

• Sun or solar energy

• waves

• wind
accept ‘solar panel’ or ‘E’
accept ‘wave turbine’ or ‘F’
accept ‘wind turbine’ or ‘turbine’ or ‘B’
‘water’ is insufficient
1 (L4)
[6]

Q5.
(a) • 960.000

accept
1 (L7)

• km/day or kilometres per day or km day–1

accept ’40.000 km/hr’ for two marks

accept ’11.1 km/s’ for two marks
accept ’11.111 m/s’ for two marks
accept ‘d’ for ‘day’ and ‘h’ for ‘hour’
do not accept ‘km pday’
1

(b) • gravity on Mars is less

accept ‘gravity is greater on Earth’
1 (L6)

(c) any one from

Page 36 of 61
 • Mars is further from the Sun
accept ‘the Sun is closer to the earth’

• less light reaches Mars

accept ‘the light rays have spread out more’
‘Mars is further away’ is insufficient
do not accept ‘less heat reaches Mars’
1 (L7)

(d) • 1600
accept ‘40/0.025’
1 (L7)

• N/m2 or Pa or Nm–2

accept ‘pascals’
do not accept lower case ‘n’
1
[6]

Q6.
(a) (i) • 100
accept ‘5 ×20’
1 (L7)

• Ncm
accept ‘cmN’
accept ‘1.0 Nm’ for two marks
do not accept lower case n
1 (L7)

(ii) 100
accept ‘the same’
accept the numerical answer to part a i
the mark for the unit may be awarded in part a ii
if not given in part a i
the unit is not required for the mark
1 (L7)

(iii) • 10
accept the numerical answer to a ii ÷ 10
1 (L7)

(b) • it decreased
accept ‘it slowed down’

any one from

• less light energy changed to electrical energy

accept ‘less light to power plane’
accept ‘it received less energy’
both the answer and the correct explanation
are required for the mark

Page 37 of 61
 do not accept ‘it stopped

• the voltage produced by the solar cell was lower

accept ‘less electrical or kinetic energy produced’
‘less light’ is insufficient do
not accept ‘no light to provide energy
1 (L7)
[5]

Q7.
(a) (i) kinetic
accept ‘movement’ or ‘motion’
1 (L7)

(ii) sound
accept ‘kinetic’ or ‘movement’ or ‘motion’
1 (L7)

(b) any one from

answers must refer to ‘energy’ or ‘power’

• loud sounds dissipate more energy than quieter sounds

accept ‘energy is used or needed more quickly’

• energy is transferred more quickly

accept ‘it is using more power’ or ‘more energy is
transferred per second’

• more potential or kinetic energy is converted to sound

accept ‘more energy is converted to sound’
accept ‘it is using or transferring more energy’
accept ‘it produces more electrical energy’
do not accept ‘it uses more electricity’
1 (L7)

(c) any one from

• solar energy or light energy is used

accept ‘the radio is run by sunlight or light’

• less energy is provided by or taken from the spring

accept ‘the light provides a second source of energy’

• energy is provided by the solar cell

accept ‘the radio is run by the Sun’
accept ‘the radio has two sources of energy’
1 (L7)

(d) any one from

• batteries or mains electricity are not available

• batteries or mains are not needed

Page 38 of 61
 • people cannot afford batteries or mains electricity
accept ‘the energy resource is free’
accept ‘they are cheap to run’
‘they are cheap’ is insufficient
1 (L7)
[5]

Q8.
(a) (i) electrical
1 (L5)

(ii) kinetic
accept ‘movement’
1 (L6)

(iii) • gravitational potential

accept ‘gravitational’ or ‘potential’
1 (L6)

• kinetic or sound or thermal

accept ‘heat’ for thermal
accept for two marks ‘kinetic into sound’
or ’kinetic into thermal’
answers must be in the correct order
1

(b) advantage

• the energy will always be replaced

accept ‘it will not run out’

• it is renewable
accept ‘it does not use fuel or mains electricity’

• it is free to run
accept ‘it is cheap’

• a battery might leak

accept ‘no pollution with a solar cell’
1 (L5)

disadvantage

• if the Sun goes in the pump will stop

• it will not work at night or in the dark

accept ‘it must be in the Sun to work’
accept ‘it is not sunny all the time’
do not accept ‘can be used again’
1 (L5)
[6]

Q9.

Page 39 of 61
 (a) (i) any one from

• the Earth rotates

accept ‘the Sun appears to move across the sky’
accept ‘the Sun is in a different position at
different times of day’

• the amount of sunlight varies

accept ‘different cloud cover’

• the angle of the Sun varies

accept ‘in the middle of the day the
energy received is greatest’
do not accept ‘in the middle of the day
the Sun is hottest or brightest’
1 (L7)

(ii) 6.0
accept any number from 5.8 to 6.2
1 (L6)

(b) (i) a graph starting after 6 am and ending before 6 pm

1 (L7)

a line below the existing line and flat

or reaching a maximum between 12 noon and 1 pm
1 (L7)

(ii) 15

accept ‘ ’
1 (L7)
[5]

Q10.
(a) ethanol or alcohol
if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L3)

(b) any one from

• burning hydrogen does not produce carbon monoxide

accept ‘petrol or ethanol
or alcohol produces carbon monoxide’

• burning hydrogen does not produce sulphur dioxide

accept ‘petrol produces sulphur dioxide’

• burning hydrogen only produces water

• burning petrol causes acid rain

accept ‘hydrogen or ethanol
or alcohol does not cause acid rain’
1 (L4)

Page 40 of 61
 (c) hydrogen
accept ‘H2’’
accept ‘gas’
1 (L4)

(d) oxygen
if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L4)

(e) any one from

• it can be grown
accept ‘it does not take long to grow’

• it can be replanted
accept ‘it can be replaced’

• it is renewable

• it can be reproduced
accept ‘it produces seeds’
1 (L4)
[5]

Q11.
(a)

if more than one line is drawn from either method,

award no mark for that method
2 (L3)

(b) (i) no light

accept ‘no rays from the Sun’
do not accept ‘no heat from the Sun’
accept ‘no sunshine’
accept ‘not enough light’
accept ‘it is dark’
accept ‘they cannot collect the Sun’s energy at night’

Page 41 of 61
 accept ‘because they need light to work’
accept ‘no Sun’
1 (L3)

(ii) it might not be windy the wind might not be strong enough
accept ‘no wind’
accept ‘needs air movement’ or ‘wind’
accept ‘sometimes the wind is weak’
accept ‘sometimes the wind is stronger’
1 (L3)
[4]

Q12.
(a) oil
1 (L4)
natural gas
accept ‘gas’
answers may be in either order
1 (L4)

(b) (i) any two from

answers may be in either order

• wind

• solar

• tidal

• biomass

• geothermal
2 (L4)

(ii) C E A B D
if all three letters are correct, award two marks
if one letter is correct, award one mark
2 (L4)
[6]

Q13.
(a) (i) wind
1 (L3)

(ii) sunlight
1 (L3)

(iii) tides
1 (L4)

(b) any one from

• coal

Page 42 of 61
 • gas
accept ‘methane’

• oil
accept ‘petrol’ or ‘diesel’ or ‘kerosine’

• peat
accept ‘turf’
1 (L4)

(c) electricity
1 (L3)
[5]

Q14.
(a) any two from

• oil
accept ‘petrol’ or ‘diesel’ or ‘kerosene’

• coal

• natural gas
accept ‘gas’
accept ‘peat’ or ‘turf
2

(b) four or all of them

accept ‘water behind dams, the wind, fossil fuels and wood’
1
[3]

Q15.
(a) The first marking point is for the transfer of energy from water to turbine.
The second marking point is for the transfer of energy from turbine to
generator.
The third marking point is for the transfer of energy away from the generator.

any two from

• potential energy in the water to kinetic energy in the turbine

accept ‘P.E. to K.E.’
accept ‘transferred from the water to the turbine’
accept ‘K.E. in the water to K.E. in the turbine’
accept ‘P.E. in the water to K.E. in the water’

• kinetic energy in the turbine to kinetic energy in the generator

accept ‘transferred from the turbine to the generator’

• kinetic energy in the generator to electrical energy in the circuit

accept ‘KE. to electrical energy’
accept ‘from the generator to the circuit’
accept ‘transferred from the generator by electricity’
accept ‘KE. in the turbine to electrical energy in the circuit’

Page 43 of 61
 accept ‘potential energy in the water to electrical energy in
the circuit’ for both marks
accept ‘P.E. to electrical energy’
or ‘from the water to the circuit’ for one mark
2

(b) any one from

• because the Moon’s pull or gravity is always there

• because the tides or the water cannot run out or be used up

accept ‘because there are tides every day’
or ‘because there is an endless supply’
1

(c) • from wave energy or from the waves

accept ‘Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion’ or ‘OTEC’
do not accept ‘hydro-electric power’
1

(d) it is easier to control or it can be turned on when it is needed

accept ‘the tides only give power at certain times’
or ‘you can build an oil-fired power station anywhere’
or ‘it is smaller`

any one from

• oil is non-renewable
accept ‘oil will run out’

• it causes pollution
accept ‘it gives out greenhouse gases’
or ‘it can cause oil spills’
1
[6]

Q16.
(a) (i) oxygen-oxygen or O–O
1

(ii) Answers may be in either order

carbon-oxygen or C–O
accept ‘oxygen–carbon’
do not accept ‘carbon dioxide’
1

hydrogen-oxygen or H–O
accept ‘oxygen–hydrogen’
do not accept ‘water’
1

(b) any one from

• heat is produced

Page 44 of 61
 accept ‘the reaction is exothermic’

• the temperature goes up

do not accept ‘energy is released’
1
[4]

Q17.
(a) answers must give a definition of biomass and not just provide
examples

material from living things or plant matter

1 (L6)

(b) the Sun

accept ‘sunlight’ or ‘the Big Bang’
do not accept ‘light’ or ‘photosynthesis’
1 (L6)

(c) coal

oil

natural gas or methane

answers may be in any order
all three fossil fuels are required for the mark
accept ‘gas’ for natural gas
accept ‘peat’ as one of the three fossil fuels
1 (L5)

(d) they cannot be replaced or no more can be produced

accept ‘they get used up’
do not accept ‘they cannot be used again’
1 (L6)

(e) (i) any one from

• it is renewable

• it is widely available
accept ‘you can grow more of it’
accept ‘it will conserve fossil fuels’
do not accept ‘it is cheaper to produce’
1 (L6)

(ii) any one from

• it takes up less space

• it is more suitable for use in vehicles

• it contains more energy per unit mass

accept ‘it is more concentrated’
accept ‘it can be transported more easily’
1 (L6)

Page 45 of 61
 (iii) any one from

• pollution

• they release greenhouse gases

accept a specific example of a pollutant
eg. ’carbon dioxide is released’
1 (L6)
[7]

Q18.
(a) any one from

• the test-tube is pointing away from him

accept ‘the test-tube is pointing away from the edge
of the bench’ do not accept ‘the test-tube is at an angle’

• he used a cork and a pin to hold the burning crispbread

accept ‘he used a pin’ or ‘he is not holding the crispbread’
or ‘the cork is on the stand’

• the test-tube is held in a clamp

accept ‘he used a clamp’ or ‘the test-tube is held tightly’

• it is away from the edge of the bench

• the apparatus is arranged over the base of the stand for stability
accept ‘the tube is over the base’
do not accept ‘he is wearing goggles
1 (L5)

(b) any two from

• use the same amount of water

• use the same mass or weight of crisp

accept ‘use the same mass of food’
do not accept ‘use the same amount of food’

• the crisp must be the same distance from the test tube as the
crispbread was

• start with water at the same temperature

• shield both experiments from the draught

do not accept ‘use the same apparatus’
or ‘heat for the same amount of time’

2 (L4)

(c) The change in the temperature of the water will be greater.

if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L6)

(d) (i) fibre is not digested

Page 46 of 61
 accept ‘it is not absorbed’
or ‘it does not get broken down’
do not accept ‘it is insoluble’
1 (L6)

(ii) any two from

• it contains less fat

accept ‘it is less fattening’
or ‘it contains less energy’

• it contains more fibre

• it contains more protein

do not accept ‘more carbohydrate’
2 (L6)

(e) oranges
if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L5)
[8]

Q19.
(a) (i) oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
all three substances are required for the mark
the products may be in either order
1 (L7)

(b) (i) 200

1 (L6)

(ii) any one from

• for growth

• for producing meat

• for storage

• for making fat

accept ‘for active transport’ or ‘for keeping internal
organs running’ or ‘for metabolism’ do not accept
‘for keeping the hen warm’ or ‘for breathing’
1 (L7)

(c) keep the hens warm

accept ‘keep them inside ‘or ‘keep them
cooped up ‘or ‘stop them moving’ or ‘keep
them in deep litter’ or ‘keep them all together’
1 (L7)

(d) any two from

• more energy is available for producing eggs

accept ‘get more eggs’ or ‘get bigger eggs’

Page 47 of 61
 • more energy is available for growth
accept ‘get more meat’ or ‘get bigger hens’

• the hens do not have to be fed so much

accept ‘they can use smaller buildings for
the same number of hens’
2 (L7)
[6]

Q20.
(a) as chemical energy
if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L6)

(b) by electricity
if more than one box is ticked, award no mark
1 (L6)

(c) (i) light

1 (L6)

(ii) thermal transfer

do not accept ‘heat’
1 (L6)

(d) potential energy

accept ‘gravitational potential energy’
or ‘gravitational energy’ or ‘the same
amount as the girl has given it’
1 (L6)
[5]

Q21.
(a) coal
1 (L3)

natural gas
if more than two boxes are ticked, award no mark
deduct one mark for each incorrectly ticked box
minimum mark zero
1 (L3)

(b) any two from

• soot or carbon

• ash

• smoke

• sulphur dioxide
accept ‘sulphur’

• carbon monoxide

Page 48 of 61
 • oxides of nitrogen
accept ‘nitrogen oxide’
accept ‘carbon dioxide
accept ‘lead’
accept ‘acid rain’
do not accept ‘greenhouse gases’ or ‘water’ or ‘gas’
2 (L3)

(c) any two from

• geothermal

• wind

• solar
accept ‘Sun’

• running water
accept ‘hydro’ or ‘HEP’ or ‘water power’

• tidal
do not accept ‘water’

• waves
accept ‘nuclear’ or ‘uranium’
2 (L3)
[6]

Q22.
(a) one mark is for storing energy by photosynthesis; the other mark
is for the formation of oil from living things

living things use energy from the Sun to grow

accept ‘plants and animals store energy from the Sun’
1 (L5)

oil is formed from the remains of living things

accept ‘oil is made of dead animals or plants’
1 (L5)

(b) (i) because it cannot be replaced once it is used or because it

takes a long time to form
do not accept ‘you cannot use it over and over again’
or ‘it cannot be recycled’
1 (L6)

(ii) coal
1 (L5)

natural gas
1 (L5)
if more than two boxes are ticked, deduct
one mark for each incorrectly ticked box
minimum mark zero

Page 49 of 61
 [5]

Q23.
(a) any two from

• oil accept ‘petrol

• gas

• uranium or nuclear
accept ‘geothermal’ or ‘peat’
do not accept ‘fossil fuel’ or ‘coal’
2

(b) can be grown or more trees can be planted

accept ‘can be replaced’
do not accept ‘can be used again’ or ‘can be recycled’
1

(c) any two from

• wind

• wave do not accept ‘water’

• tidal

• solar accept ‘the Sun’ or ‘sunlight’

• biomass or a stated biomass, such as straw

accept ‘alcohol’ do not accept ‘wood’
accept ‘hydroelectric’
accept ‘geothermal’ unless used as the answer to (a)
do not accept ‘nuclear’
2

(d) any one from

• thermal accept ‘heat’

• radiant

• light
1
[6]

Q24.

Page 50 of 61
 award a mark for each correct line
if more than one line is drawn from any item, or to any fuel,
deduct one mark for each extra line; minimum mark zero
accept central heating boiler ------ coal
accept central heating boiler ------ gas
accept fireplace -------------------- gas
[3]

Q25.
energy directly from indirectly not from the
source the Sun from the Sun Sun

nuclear *

hydro-electric *

solar *

geothermal *

oil

if more than one box is ticked in any row

award no mark for that row
[5]

Q26.
(a) 25,000 m2 or 0.025 km2
unit required for the mark
accept ‘500 000 ÷ 6 × 0.3 m2
1

(b) (i) it cannot meet winter requirement

1

(ii) any one from

• variable output or output depends on the weather

• unsightly or noise pollution

• output cannot be increased to cope with future growth in demand

accept ‘it isn’t always windy’
accept ‘interference with TV and radio signals’
1

Page 51 of 61
 [3]

Page 52 of 61
Examiner reports

Q4.
Facility values

Tier 3-6

L3 L4 L5 L6

ai 0.72 0.87 0.96 0.99

aii 0.61 0.78 0.90 0.97

bi 0.28 0.54 0.79 0.92

bii 0.43 0.73 0.91 0.96

c 0.70 0.83 0.94 0.98

d 0.62 0.76 0.91 0.96

Q5.
Facility values

Tier 5-7

L5 L6 L7

a1 0.28 0.54 0.79

a2 0.07 0.28 0.71

b 0.39 0.60 0.81

c 0.36 0.67 0.84

d1 0.13 0.22 0.50

d2 0.04 0.12 0.41

Q6.
Facility values

Tier 5-7

L5 L6 L7

ai1 0.07 0.27 0.70

Page 53 of 61
 ai2 0.04 0.14 0.34

aii 0.05 0.14 0.60

aiii 0.18 0.40 0.78

b 0.12 0.26 0.51

Q7.
Half of pupils at level 6, and the majority of pupils at level 7, gave the correct answer
kinetic to part (ai). At all levels the most common incorrect answer was potential.

Part (aii) was the easiest part of the question with the majority of pupils giving the correct
answer sound.

The majority of pupils gave a correct answer for part (b). At all levels a small proportion
stated that the radio uses more electricity, which did not gain the mark.

The majority of pupils gave a correct answer for part (c), most of these stating that there
would be additional energy from the Sun. At level 7 a third of pupils explicitly stated the
other creditworthy answer – that the spring would need to supply less energy – which was
given by relatively few pupils at levels 5 and 6.

About a half of pupils at levels 6 and 7 gained the mark for part (d). The most common
answer was to state that batteries are unavailable or not needed in poorer countries, with
some pupils stating that the energy used to power the wind-up radio was free. Nearly a
third of pupils referred to electricity being unavailable / not needed without specifying
‘mains electricity’ and so did not get the mark.

Facility values

Tier 5-7

L5 L6 L7

ai .42 .55 .70

aii .74 .93 .99

b .66 .78 .85

c .55 .75 .89

d .70 .76 .83

Q8.
The majority of pupils at Level 5 and above correctly chose electrical in part (a)(i). The
most common incorrect answers were kinetic and thermal/heat.

Part (a)(ii) proved to be difficult for pupils at Level 5 and below, but the majority of pupils at
Levels 6 and 7 correctly chose kinetic. Gravitational was a common incorrect answer at all
levels. Chemical and thermal/heat were common incorrect answers at Level 5 and below.

Page 54 of 61
 Part (a)(iii) proved difficult for pupils at all levels other than Level 7. At all levels the most
common incorrect answer in the first blank space was kinetic. At Levels 5 and 6 sound
was the most common correct answer in the second blank space, but at Level 7 kinetic
was. The most common incorrect answer in the second blank space was gravitational.

Part (b) was generally well answered by pupils at Level 5 and above. At all levels more
pupils were able to think of the disadvantages of a solar cell than were able to think of the
advantages. The answer free/no fuel is needed was the most frequently given advantage
at all levels other than Level 7, where it is renewable was an equally popular answer.

Q9.
Sc1/Sc4 5 marks Facility: 0.54

There was relatively little variation across levels in part (ai). The most common of a variety
of correct answers was to say that the sunlight, or the angle or height of the sun, varies.

Part (aii) was answered fairly well, the majority of pupils correctly stating that the motor
would run at full speed for six hours. The most common error, made by 22%, was to give
an answer of less than the accepted 5.8 hours.

Part (bi) again showed little discrimination between levels.Two-thirds of pupils drew a
curve which ended after 6 pm, failing to represent the shorter period during which there is
sunlight in winter.

Part (bii) was well answered by many, three-quarters of Level 6 and 95% of Level 7 pupils
gaining the mark.

Facilities by tier and level achieved

5-7

Item 5 6 7

ai .28 .42 .65

aii .41 .66 .83

bi1 .23 .33 .38

bi2 .51 .71 .82

bii .44 .80 .93

Q10.
Most pupils at all levels read the table and identified the fuel that releases least energy in
part (a), however the other parts of this question were less well answered. Fewer than
half the pupils, in part (b), used the information provided to explain adequately why
hydrogen will produce less pollution. An eighth of the pupils omitted this part of the
question. Less than a half of the pupils at levels 3 and 4 knew that the gas could be
compressed in part (c), and in part (d) that oxygen is needed for fuels to burn. In part (e),
two-thirds of all pupils gave a creditworthy explanation of why sugar cane, used as a fuel
source, will not run out. Just over a tenth omitted this item. .Overall boys performed better
than the girls on this question.

Page 55 of 61
 Facility values

Part Omit (%) Facility

(a) 0 0.81

(b) 12 0.49

(c) 3 0.55

(d) 1 0.58

(e) 10 0.69

By level

Part 3 4 5 6

(a) .62 .78 .88 .92

(b) .10 .40 .65 .79

(c) .28 .39 .60 .82

(d) .30 .40 .60 .82

(e) .38 .55 .76 .92

Q11.
Overall this question was answered very well. In part (a) nearly all, except those attaining
level 3, correctly linked ‘solar cells’ to ‘sunlight’. The most common error was to link the
solar cell to heat. Fewer pupils correctly linked ‘petrol generator’ to ‘chemicals’ to gain the
second mark. Most pupils attaining level 4 and above, provided, in part (bi), a
creditworthy reason for solar cells not working at night. In part (bii) nearly all pupils
attaining levels 5 and 6 explained satisfactorily why wind turbines cannot generate
electricity all the time.

Facility values

Part Omit (%) Facility

(a) 1 1 0.82

(a) 2 1 0.69

(b)(i) 2 0.85

(b)(ii) 5 0.83

By level

Part 3 4 5 6

(a) 1 .70 .79 .89 .97

Page 56 of 61
 (a) 2 .49 .60 .74 .84

(b)(i) .67 .88 .95 .98

(b)(ii) .54 .84 .92 1.00

Q12.
In general all pupils answered this question well. In part (a) most pupils attaining level 6
chose two fossil fuels from the list. However, fewer than two-fifths of pupils attaining below
level 6 were able to identify more than one. Most pupils identified at least one renewable
energy resource from the given list, in part (bi), but only a third of pupils attaining level 3
identified two. In part (bii) nearly all pupils attaining levels 5 and 6 were able to put the
statements describing the generation of electricity in the correct order.

Facility values

Part Omit (%) Facility

(a)(i) 1 1 0.89

(a)(i) 2 3 0.38

(b)(i) 1 3 0.88

(b)(i) 2 4 0.66

(b)(ii) 1 1 0.96

(b)(ii) 2 1 0.85

By level

Part 3 4 5 6

(a) 1.04 1.18 1.41 1.62

(b)(i) 1.06 1.40 1.77 1.89

(b)(ii) 1.31 1.74 1.93 1.96

Q13.
Parts (a)(i) to (a)(iii) were answered well by the majority of pupils. Almost all pupils
correctly linked the energy resource to its photograph. The majority of pupils achieving
levels 3 and 4 could not state what a wind turbine generates, with few pupils using words
from the list for part (a) in their answer to part (c).

Facility values

Item Omit (%) Facility

Page 57 of 61
 (a) (i) 1 0.96

(a) (ii) 1 0.91

(a) (iii) 2 0.92

(b) 10 0.73

(c) 7 0.55

Facility values by level

Tier 3-6

Item Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6

(a) (i) 0.90 0.97 0.99 1.00

(a) (ii) 0.79 0.92 0.97 1.00

(a) (iii) 0.76 0.95 0.97 1.00

(b) 0.47 0.67 0.85 0.96

(c) 0.16 0.46 0.64 0.89

Q14.
(a) In part (a) most pupils were able to recall two fossil fuels, with almost all pupils at
level 6 being able to name at least one. Many pupils failed to realise that petrol is a
derivative of oil and gave it as an answer together with oil.

(b) In comparison, part (b) was answered poorly with over 80% of pupils unable to
identify that all the resources listed could be used to generate electricity. Most errors
occurred because pupils did not include wood as a resource.

Facility values

Item Omit (%) Facility

(a) 1 8 0.73

2 13 0.59

(b) 2 0.15

Q15.
Pupils’ attempts at this question were generally weak except for pupils achieving the
highest levels.

(a) In part (a) many pupils failed to understand the main thrust of the question. These
pupils gave a general description of what was happening but did not identify the
energy changes.

Page 58 of 61
 (b) In part (b), the main error was a lack of precision in written answers, e.g. The waves
can be reused.

(c) Part (c) was answered poorly by all pupils. Those who attempted this question were
not specific in their answers e.g. some pupils referred to how water rather than sea
may be used to generate electricity water can be used to turn a water wheel. 40% of
pupils taking tier 3-6 and 15% of pupils taking tier 5-7 did not attempt to answer this
question.

(d) In part (d) pupils were better at identifying the disadvantages of oil as an energy
resource than the advantages. 41% of pupils taking tier 3-6 produced answers that
lacked the requisite precision, e.g. suggesting oil fired power stations contribute to
the hole in the ozone layer or that they are easier to work rather than more efficient.
27% of pupils taking tier 3-6 did not attempt this question.

Facility values

Level 3 – 6 Level 5 – 7

Item Omit (%) Facility Omit (%) Facility

(a) 1 38 0.05 8 0.44

2 52 0.02 22 0.19

(b) 24 0.35 2 0.72

(c) 40 0.13 15 0.29

(d) 1 30 0.09 4 0.23

2 27 0.44 1 0.86

Q17.
Each part of this question was omitted by significant numbers of pupils taking tier 3-6, and
14% of them omitted the entire question. In part (a) there was evidence that pupils were
unfamiliar with the term ‘biomass’ and this affected their performance in the rest of the
question. Many gave an example rather than a definition or explanation. In tier 3-6 there
was a significant minority of pupils who confused biomass with fossil fuel. In part (b) all
pupils other than those achieving level 7 struggled. The most common incorrect
responses being ‘electricity’ or examples of fossil fuels. In tier 5-7 10% of pupils wrote
‘plants’. In part (c) the great majority of pupils were able to name at least one fossil fuel,
and many were able to name two, but only pupils achieving level 6 and 7 pupils could
name three and so obtain the mark. In part (d) there is evidence that pupils confuse the
terms ‘re-usable’ and ‘renewable’, with about half of the responses defining a non-
renewable resource incorrectly as either one which cannot be used for a second time or
that renewable energy resources can be reused. Part (e) (i) was also reasonable well
answered, but (e) (ii) was omitted by very large numbers of pupils, and produced a very
wide variety of wrong answers. Part (e) (iii), which had similarly large omit rates, was
better answered.

Facility Values

Question Target Marks facility value facility value facility value PoS

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 level boys girls all reference

Tier: 3-6 7 0.10 0.11 0.10

5-7 0.36 0.29 0.33

a 6 1 4/5a

b 6 1 4/5b

c 5 1 4/5c

d 6 1 4/5d

ei 6 1 4/5a - 4/5d

eii 6 1 4/5a

eiii 6 1 4/5a - 3/2p

Q18.
Pupils applied scientific knowledge and understanding well in familiar questions. However,
they were less able to employ their knowledge and understanding when the context was
unfamiliar. For example, most pupils could use data provided on two food types and apply
this information to determine which food type would provide the most appropriate
contribution to a balanced diet.

Pupils gave good reasons why crispbread is more likely than potato crisps to form part of
a balanced diet.

Few pupils were able to explain why the energy stored in fibre cannot be used by the
human body. Most answers were related to why fibre is a necessary part of the diet, such
as it helps you go to the toilet.

Q19.
Performance on questions relating to the word equation for respiration was poor. The
most common error, as shown in the example below and referred to above, was to include
energy as a substance and one of the products of the reaction.

___________________________________________________________________

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + energy

___________________________________________________________________

Many pupils were unable to give the word equation for respiration.

Q20.
In contrast to 1996, the question relating to energy transfer was answered correctly by
most pupils in 1997. However, there was evidence that some pupils in tier 5-7 were not
clear about the term potential energy. As was made clear by SCAA (see the Key Stage 3
Assessment Arrangements booklet for 1996, distributed to schools in October 1995) the

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 term potential energy is used to refer specifically to ‘gravitational potential energy’. There
was also evidence of confusion between the kinetic energy gained by the torch as it was
moved onto the shelf and the potential energy stored in the torch whilst it was on the shelf.

Q21.
In previous years, pupils’ performance on questions relating to Energy Resources has
been poor. In 1997, pupils were asked to identify two fuels which are most often burned in
power stations, two substances which pollute the environment when fuels burn, and two
energy resources used to generate electricity which are not fuels. Although this was a less
demanding question than those in 1995 and 1996, pupils did less well than might be
expected. About 30% of pupils suggested that petrol is one of the fuels most often burned
in power stations. Few pupils were able to give the names of two energy resources which
are not fuels.

Q22.
Questions on Energy resources and energy transfer have been included in the tests in all
three years. As in 1995, pupils confused ‘renewable’ with ‘reusable’ and consequently
had difficulty in identifying which resources are considered renewable. In 1995 pupils
were asked to identify the origin of five named resources. In 1996 they were asked to
explain how energy from the Sun became stored in oil. This question was considerably
more demanding and fewer than a third of pupils offered an appropriate answer

Q23.
Few pupils gained more than three marks on this question. A common error in part (b) was
‘burning wood to form charcoal’. Many other responses did not recognise the way in which
humans can intervene to ensure that trees are available as a renewable energy source.
The difference between ‘renewable’ and ‘recyclable’ is not clearly understood by the
majority of pupils. In part (c), ‘water’ was often given as another renewable energy source,
indicating that its role in providing energy for use is not clearly understood.

Q24.
Most pupils gave the correct answers to this question.

Q25.
Almost all pupils gained some marks in this question, with the majority giving all five
correct answers.

Q26.
No specific comment made

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