MYP Physics · 18 · data analysis
Compare annual energy, not nameplate power
Climate and energy systems · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- routine
- Marks
- 7
- Topics
- 2
- Answer
- Complete
A community compares two 1.0 MW electricity projects. Use 8760 hours in one year and annual energy = rated power × capacity factor × time.
| Project | Capacity factor | Lifecycle emissions | Local constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | 0.30 | 12 g CO₂e per kWh | seasonal bird migration |
| Solar | 0.18 | 45 g CO₂e per kWh | limited flat land |
- a
Calculate Calculate the annual electrical energy from each project in MWh.
4 marks - b
Compare Use the table and your calculations to state two evidence-based advantages of wind in this comparison.
2 marks - c
State State why the table is not enough to make a final community decision.
1 mark
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a
Calculate Calculate the annual electrical energy from each project in MWh.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Uses 1.0 MW × 0.30 × 8760 h for wind.
- 2
Obtains 2628 MWh for wind.
- 3
Uses 1.0 MW × 0.18 × 8760 h for solar.
- 4
Obtains 1576.8 MWh, or about 1577 MWh, for solar.
b
Compare Use the table and your calculations to state two evidence-based advantages of wind in this comparison.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
States that wind produces more annual energy at the same rated power.
- 2
States that wind has lower listed lifecycle emissions per kWh.
c
State State why the table is not enough to make a final community decision.
Read the data before explaining it. Quote the relevant values or trend, show the comparison or calculation, and then connect that numerical evidence to the physical conclusion—including uncertainty or anomalies when they matter.
- 1
Identifies missing evidence such as cost, storage or grid needs, habitat surveys, land ownership, reliability, noise, construction impacts, or stakeholder priorities.
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