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Greenhouse Effect · Paper 2 — Free Physics SL Practice Questions

1ChallengeSAQ-LImpact of human activity on the greenhouse effect7 marksPaper 2~11 min
The burning of fossil fuels releases both CO2\text{CO}_2 and sulfur dioxide (SO2\text{SO}_2). SO2\text{SO}_2 forms sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere, which have a cooling effect by reflecting sunlight back to space. The radiative forcing from SO2\text{SO}_2 aerosols in 2020 was estimated to be −0.4 W m−2-0.4 \text{ W m}^{-2}, while the forcing from CO2\text{CO}_2 was +2.2 W m−2+2.2 \text{ W m}^{-2}.
(a)
Using ΔFnet=ΔFCO2+ΔFSO2\Delta F_{\text{net}} = \Delta F_{\text{CO}_2} + \Delta F_{\text{SO}_2}, determine the net radiative forcing from these two sources and the percentage of the CO2\text{CO}_2 warming that is offset by SO2\text{SO}_2 cooling. [3 marks]
(b)
Explain why reducing SO2\text{SO}_2 emissions through clean air legislation can paradoxically accelerate global warming. [2 marks]
(c)
A government proposes immediately eliminating all SO2\text{SO}_2 emissions to maximise public health benefits. Evaluate whether this policy is justified, considering both the short-term and long-term consequences. [2 marks]
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Solutions

2ChallengeSAQ-LImpact of human activity on the greenhouse effect7 marksPaper 2~11 min

Data

1 tonne =1000 kg= 1000\ \text{kg}
A power plant produces 1000 MW of electrical power and emits CO2\text{CO}_2 at a rate of 500 tonnes per hour. A carbon capture and storage (CCS) system is installed that captures 90% of the emitted CO2\text{CO}_2 but requires 30% of the plant's original electrical output to operate.
(a)
Calculate the net electrical power output of the plant after CCS is installed. [1 mark]
(b)
Determine the mass of CO2\text{CO}_2 emitted per hour after the CCS system operates. [1 mark]
(c)
Explain why the effective reduction in CO2\text{CO}_2 emitted per megawatt-hour of useful energy delivered is less than 90%. [2 marks]
(d)
Evaluate whether CCS represents a viable long-term strategy for mitigating climate change, with reference to both technical limitations and economic considerations. [3 marks]
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Solutions

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