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Physics Paper 1: P2 (Electricity generation (Nuclear fuels are radioactive…
Physics Paper 1: P2
Electricity generation
Nuclear fuels are radioactive. The radiation produced can cause cancer. Waste products remain radioactive for a long time.
In power stations, fuels release energy as heat. Water is heated to produce steam. The steam drives turbines. Turbines turn generators. Generators produce electricity.
Transformers change the size of the voltage and current. The National Grid transmits electricity around the country at high voltage and low current. This reduces energy loss.
The main forms of ionising radiation are alpha, beta and gamma. Their uses depend on their penetrative and ionisation properties.
A dynamo produces electricity when coils of wire rotate inside a magnetic field. The size of the current depends on the number of turns, the strength of the field and the speed of rotation.
Energy from the sun
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Some gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the Sun increasing global warming. Scientists disagree about how much effect humans have on the increase in levels of these greenhouse gases.
Photocells do not need fuel or cables, need little maintenance and cause no pollution.
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The universe
Most asteroids orbit between Mars and Jupiter but some pass closer to the Earth. They are constantly being monitored. An asteroid strike could cause climate change and species extinction.
The Universe is explored by telescopes on the Earth and in space. Large distances mean that it takes a long time for information to be received and inter-galactic travel unlikely.
The Universe consists of many galaxies. Models of the universe have changed over time and sometimes these changes take a long time to be accepted.
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Our solar system
Medium-sized stars, such as our Sun, were formed from nebulae and will eventually become red giants, white dwarfs and finally black dwarfs.
When two planets collide, a new planet and a moon may be formed.
Planets, asteroids and comets orbit the Sun in our Solar System. Centripetal forces keep bodies in orbit.