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AQA GCSE · Question 01.3 · Energy
The table shows information about the two methods of storing energy.
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<table border="1" cellpadding="12" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; border: 2px solid black;">
<tr>
<th style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Method</th>
<th style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Energy stored<br/>per 100 kg of<br/>water in kJ</th>
<th style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Percentage of<br/>stored energy<br/>wasted</th>
<th style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Installation</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px;"><b>A:</b> Increasing water<br/>temperature by 80 °C</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center;">33 600</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center;">40%</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center;">Anywhere</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px;"><b>B:</b> Pumping water uphill to<br/>a height of 500 m</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center;">490</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center;">25%</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 12px; text-align: center;">High<br/>mountains</td>
</tr>
</table>
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Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of storing energy. Include calculations in your answer.
The table shows information about the two methods of storing energy.
<br/><br/>
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of storing energy. Include calculations in your answer.
How to approach this question
1. **Calculate** the difference in energy storage. Divide the larger energy value by the smaller one to show how many times greater it is.
2. **Calculate** the difference in wasted energy (efficiency). Subtract the smaller percentage from the larger one.
3. **Identify** advantages for each method based on the table (e.g., high energy storage, high efficiency, installation location).
4. **Identify** disadvantages for each method (e.g., low energy storage, low efficiency, installation restrictions).
5. **Structure** your answer by comparing points directly, using your calculations as evidence.
Full Answer
**Comparison:**
Method A stores much more energy per 100 kg of water than Method B.
Calculation: 33600 kJ is 68.6 times more energy than 490 kJ (33600 / 490 = 68.57).
**Advantages of Method A:**
- Stores significantly more energy for the same mass of water.
- Can be installed anywhere.
**Disadvantages of Method A:**
- It is less efficient, wasting 40% of the energy compared to 25% for Method B.
Calculation: Method A wastes 15 percentage points more energy than Method B (40% - 25% = 15%).
**Advantages of Method B:**
- It is more efficient, wasting less energy (25% vs 40%).
**Disadvantages of Method B:**
- Stores very little energy per 100 kg.
- Requires a specific location (high mountains).
This question requires a comparison of the two methods, covering both advantages and disadvantages, supported by calculations.
**Energy Storage Calculation:**
Method A stores 33,600 kJ, while Method B stores 490 kJ.
Ratio = 33600 / 490 ≈ 68.6. So, Method A stores about 69 times more energy per 100 kg of water. This is a major advantage for Method A.
**Efficiency Comparison:**
Method A wastes 40% of energy, meaning it is 60% efficient.
Method B wastes 25% of energy, meaning it is 75% efficient.
Method B is more efficient. This is an advantage for Method B.
**Installation:**
Method A can be installed anywhere, which is an advantage.
Method B requires high mountains, which is a significant disadvantage as it limits locations.
**Conclusion:** Method A is better for storing large amounts of energy in a small space and has flexible installation, but is less efficient. Method B is more efficient but stores far less energy and has strict geographical requirements.
Common mistakes
✗ Only describing the data without comparing.
✗ Not including any calculations.
✗ Forgetting to mention both advantages and disadvantages for the methods.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Higher Tier Paper 1
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