The carbon footprint and its reduction - AQA GCSE Chemistry Exam Questions

Practise 16 exam-style questions on The carbon footprint and its reduction for AQA GCSE Chemistry. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.

16 questions
1–6 marks each
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16 questions, marked as you go

Sample questions with model answers

Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.

Question 1

2 marks

Give two actions that could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

Model answer

Generate more electricity from alternative energy supplies such as wind and solar power, and conserve energy, for example by insulating homes.

Explanation

Most carbon dioxide emissions come from burning fossil fuels, so actions either replace fossil fuels, use less energy, stop the carbon dioxide reaching the atmosphere (carbon capture and storage) or balance it out (off-setting).

Mark scheme

1 mark
increase the use of alternative energy supplies (e.g. wind, solar, hydroelectric, nuclear)
max 2; allow renewable energy
1 mark
energy conservation (e.g. insulating buildings, using efficient appliances)
allow using less energy
1 mark
carbon capture and storage
1 mark
carbon taxes and licences
1 mark
carbon off-setting, e.g. planting trees
1 mark
using public transport / electric vehicles / walking or cycling instead of driving
ignore 'reduce pollution'

Question 2

2 marks

Describe two ways a household could reduce its carbon footprint by conserving energy.

Model answer

The household could insulate the loft and walls so less gas is burned to heat the home. It could also replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs, which use less electricity.

Explanation

Energy conservation means using less energy for the same result. Because much electricity and most home heating still come from fossil fuels, using less energy means less carbon dioxide is released.

Mark scheme

1 mark
insulate the loft / walls or fit double glazing so less fuel is needed for heating
max 2
1 mark
use energy-efficient appliances / LED light bulbs
1 mark
turn the thermostat down / switch off lights and appliances when not in use
1 mark
dry clothes on a line instead of in a tumble dryer / wash at lower temperatures
ignore solar panels or wind turbines (alternative energy supplies, not energy conservation)

Question 3

3 marks

A family's car produces 2.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. One tree absorbs, on average, 25 kg of carbon dioxide each year.

Calculate the number of trees needed to offset the car's emissions. Give one reason why planting trees may not offset these emissions in practice.
1 tonne = 1000 kg

Model answer

2.2 tonnes = 2200 kg
number of trees = 2200 ÷ 25 = 88 trees
In practice, young trees absorb much less carbon dioxide than fully grown ones, so it takes many years before the emissions are offset.

Explanation

Convert to the same units before dividing. Carbon off-setting by tree planting is a real action, but it only works if the trees survive and grow for many years, and it needs a lot of land.

Mark scheme

1 mark
2.2 tonnes = 2200 kg
1 mark
2200 ÷ 25 = 88 (trees)
allow ecf; correct answer with no working scores 2 marks
1 mark
young trees absorb less / trees take years to grow / trees may be cut down, burned or die / land is needed

Question 4

4 marks

Give reasons why actions to reduce the carbon footprint of a country may be limited.

Model answer

Some people believe there is scientific disagreement about the causes of climate change, and many people lack information about the problem. People may not be willing to change their lifestyles, for example by driving less. Alternatives such as renewable energy and carbon capture are expensive, and not every country agrees to take action.

Explanation

The specification groups the limits into scientific, educational, lifestyle, economic and political (international) reasons. Aim to give reasons from different groups rather than several versions of the same idea.

Mark scheme

1 mark
scientific disagreement about the causes and consequences of global climate change
max 4
1 mark
lack of public information and education
1 mark
people are unwilling to make lifestyle changes (e.g. driving less, eating less meat)
1 mark
economic considerations, e.g. cost of renewable energy / carbon capture, loss of profits or jobs
1 mark
developing countries need cheap energy for economic growth
1 mark
incomplete international cooperation (not all countries agree to act)

Ready to try the rest? Every answer you write is marked against the mark scheme, so you can see exactly where the marks are.

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