A coal-fired power station burns coal to generate electricity. Explain how burning coal eventually leads to electricity being produced.

Eduqas GCSE Physics — 1.2 Generating electricity · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Coal is a non-renewable energy resource used in many power stations to generate electricity.

Model answer (4 marks)

Burning coal releases thermal energy, heating water to produce steam.
The high‑pressure steam drives a turbine.
The turbine is mechanically linked to a generator.
The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact sequence: heat → steam → turbine → generator → electricity. Mention ‘thermal energy’ and ‘high‑pressure steam’ to show understanding. Keep each point short and to the point to fit the 4 marks.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the turbine with the generator or omitting the steam step. Using vague terms like ‘heat’ without linking to steam or turbine. Writing extra words that do not add to the explanation.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Burning coal releases thermal (heat) energy / heats water to produce steam
  2. Steam (or hot gas) is used to spin / drive a turbine
  3. The turbine is connected to / drives a generator
  4. The generator produces / outputs electricity

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