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Question 18M.2.SL.TZ2.b

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Date May 2018 Marks available [Maximum mark: 1] Reference code 18M.2.SL.TZ2.b
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ2
Command term Suggest Question number b Adapted from N/A
b.
[Maximum mark: 1]
18M.2.SL.TZ2.b

In a pumped storage hydroelectric system, water is stored in a dam of depth 34 m.

M18/4/PHYSI/SP2/ENG/TZ2/05

The water leaving the upper lake descends a vertical distance of 110 m and turns the turbine of a generator before exiting into the lower lake.

After the upper lake is emptied it must be refilled with water from the lower lake and this requires energy. Suggest how the operators of this storage system can still make a profit.

[1]

Markscheme

water is pumped back up at times when the demand for/price of electricity is low

[1 mark]

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