A country currently generates most of its electricity by burning fossil fuels. The government is considering switching to nuclear power. Describe two advantages and one disadvantage of using nuclear power compared with fossil fuels for large-scale electricity generation.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 4.3 Energy resources and electricity generation · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Many countries rely on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas to meet the majority of their electricity demand. Nuclear power stations use radioactive material to generate electricity on a large scale.

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases during operation, so it does not contribute to global warming, whereas burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of CO₂.
2. A small quantity of radioactive material releases a huge amount of energy, making nuclear power highly energy‑dense and suitable for large‑scale electricity supply, unlike the low energy density of coal, oil and gas.
3. Nuclear power generates highly toxic nuclear waste that must be stored safely underground for many years, whereas fossil fuels produce comparatively less hazardous waste.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms ‘greenhouse gases’, ‘energy‑dense’, and ‘nuclear waste’.
  • Show the contrast explicitly – e.g. ‘unlike fossil fuels’ or ‘whereas fossil fuels’.
  • Keep each point short and to the point to fit the 4‑mark limit.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the energy source with the fuel type (e.g. saying nuclear is ‘clean’ but not mentioning greenhouse gases).
  • Failing to mention the contrast with fossil fuels.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Advantage 1: Nuclear power does not release greenhouse gases (during operation), so does not contribute to global warming (unlike fossil fuels which do).
  2. Advantage 2: A small amount of radioactive material produces a large amount of energy, making nuclear power highly energy-dense / suitable for large-scale supply.
  3. Disadvantage: Nuclear power produces highly toxic nuclear waste that must be stored safely underground for many years.
  4. Quality of comparison: The answer must explicitly link the advantage or disadvantage to a contrast with fossil fuels (e.g. fossil fuels do release greenhouse gases; fossil fuels do not produce nuclear waste).

Key terms in this question

fossil fuels

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