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CAIE IGCSE Physics Energy Resources Question Bank

Practise describing electricity-generation pathways and comparing renewable, fossil-fuel and nuclear resources using reliability, impact and efficiency evidence.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • sequence energy transfers through a turbine and generator for thermal or water resources
  • compare resources using renewability, reliability, fuel use and environmental effects
  • calculate efficiency or input power from useful output and total energy or power supplied

Covered syllabus points

1.7.3.1—Energy/electrical power sources: (a)1.7.3.2—Advantages and disadvantages of each1.7.3.3—Understand, qualitatively, the concept1.7.3.4—Radiation from the Sun is the main1.7.3.5—Energy is released by nuclear fusion1.7.3.6—Research is being carried out to1.7.3.7—Efficiency: (a) efficiency = useful

1.7.3 Energy resources question 1

[Maximum number: 5]

The isotope uranium-235 is represented by

92235∪.{ }_{92}^{235} \cup .

Question (a)

(a)

Describe how thermal energy from nuclear reactions is used to generate electricity in a power station.

[ 3 ]

Question (b)

(b)

State one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear fuels in a power station instead of using fossil fuels.
advantage
disadvantage

[ 2 ]

1.7.3 Energy resources question 2

[Maximum number: 5]

Fig. 2.1 shows solar-powered traffic warning lights.

Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.1

The energy from the solar cell is stored in a battery.

Question (a)

(a)

The efficiency of the solar cell is 22%. The power supplied to the lights by the cell is 15 W.

[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

State what is meant by 22% efficiency.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Calculate the solar power input to the solar cell.
power =

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Suggest two advantages of using a solar cell to power the traffic warning lights in Fig. 2.1 compared to using mains electricity.

1
2

[ 2 ]

1.7.3 Energy resources question 3

[Maximum number: 3]

Question (a)

(a)

State one advantage and one disadvantage of using a wind turbine as a source of electrical energy.
advantage
disadvantage

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Fig. 2.1 shows a wind turbine.

Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.1

[ 1 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Suggest why some of the kinetic energy of the air that passes through the circular area swept out by the blades is not converted into electrical energy.

[ 1 ]
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