Figure 2 shows an energy transfer diagram for a steam engine - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Figure 2 shows an energy transfer diagram for a steam engine.
The diagram shows the amounts of energy transferred each second by the steam engine.
energy input 200... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 2 shows an energy transfer diagram for a steam engine - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the amount of wasted energy.
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Answer
To find the wasted energy, subtract the useful energy output from the energy input:
wasted energy=energy input−useful energy output=2000 J−160 J=1840 J
Step 2
Calculate the efficiency of the steam engine.
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Answer
Using the efficiency formula:
efficiency=total energy supplied to the steam engineuseful energy transferred by the steam engine=2000 J160 J=0.08
To express this as a percentage:
efficiency=0.08×100%=8%.
Step 3
State what happens to the wasted energy.
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The wasted energy is typically lost to the surroundings as heat, which can contribute to thermal pollution. Some of it may also be dissipated through friction or other inefficiencies in the system.
Step 4
State two ways that the use of coal might be harmful to the environment.
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Burning coal releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
The combustion of coal can produce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), leading to air pollution and acid rain.
Step 5
Calculate the kinetic energy of the model train.
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