Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 19M.3.sl.TZ2.9 |
Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ2 |
Command term | State | Question number | 9 | 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 generalizations.
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 students who struggled tended to either give vague or journalistic answers especially for the disadvantage of tidal power.