# Explain why solar cells and tidal barrages are both classified as renewable energy resources, and describe one key difference in how each produces electricity.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P6.2 Producing electricity · Explain · 4 marks

> A town council is considering replacing its ageing coal-fired power station with either a solar farm or a tidal barrage. Both options have been described as renewable energy resources.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A renewable energy resource can be replenished whilst it is being used (accept: is not used up / is not finite).
2. Both solar and tidal qualify because their energy source (sunlight / tidal movement) is continuously restored / will not run out.
3. Solar cells (photovoltaic cells) directly produce electricity from the Sun's energy (no turbine required).
4. A tidal barrage uses the wave / tidal action of water to directly turn turbines, which generate electricity (whereas solar cells require no turbine).

## Key terms

- [renewable energy resource](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/renewable-energy-resource)
- [solar cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/solar-cells)
- [tidal barrage](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/tidal-barrage)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-solar-cells-and-tidal-20e916a8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.