Some electricity is generated using wind turbines.
(a) Wind is a renewable energy resource. State what is meant by renewable. [1]
(b) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using wind turbines to generate electricity. [2]
- (a) it will not run out / it is replaced (naturally) as fast as it is used allow is replenished (naturally); ignore 'can be reused' / 'can be recycled' (confuses renewable with reusable)(1)
- (b) advantage, any one from: no fuel needed / no fuel cost; no carbon dioxide / greenhouse gases released (when generating); no air pollution / no sulfur dioxide; low running costs ignore 'cheap' or 'good for the environment' unqualified(1)
- (b) disadvantage, any one from: unreliable / output depends on wind speed / no electricity when no wind (or too windy); visual or noise pollution; large area of land needed; high initial (building) cost; low power output per turbine / many turbines needed; can harm birds ignore 'expensive' unqualified(1)
- Answer: (a) will not run out (b) e.g. no CO₂ released; output depends on the wind
- Examiner tip: 'Cheap' or 'good for the environment' are too vague — name the specific benefit, e.g. no CO₂ emitted.