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Date May 2019 Marks available 2 Reference code 19M.3.hl.TZ2.14
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term State Question number 14 Adapted from N/A

Question

The regular rise and fall of sea levels, known as tides, can be used to generate energy.

State one advantage, other than limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and one disadvantage of tidal power.

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Markscheme

Advantage
Any one of:
renewable  [✔]
predictable supply [✔]
tidal barrage may prevent flooding [✔]
effective at low speeds [✔]
long life-span [✔]
low cost to run [✔]

Disadvantage
Any one of:
cost of construction [✔]
changes/unknown effects on marine life [✔]
changes circulation of tides in the area [✔]
power output is variable [✔]
limited locations where feasible [✔]
equipment maintenance can be challenging [✔]
difficult to store energy [✔]

 

Note: Do not accept vague generalisations.

Do not accept economic issues for both advantage and disadvantage.

Do not accept sustainable.

Accept “energy” or “electricity” for “power”.

Examiners report

Many candidates performed well on this question, especially when identifying an advantage of tidal power. The candidates who struggled tended to either give vague or journalistic answers especially for the disadvantage of tidal power.

Syllabus sections

Options » C: Energy » C.1 Energy sources
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Options » C: Energy
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