Question detail
What are the advantages of using reverse osmosis over distillation for desalination?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Using the Earth's resources and obtaining potable water
Question
What are the advantages of using reverse osmosis over distillation for desalination?
Answer
Reverse osmosis is generally more energy-efficient than distillation, as it does not require heating water to high temperatures. Additionally, reverse osmosis can produce potable water at a faster rate and is often more cost-effective in large-scale applications.
Explanation
A strong answer should directly address the approved learning objective to compare distillation and membrane processes such as reverse osmosis for desalination. This question belongs to Potable water within Using the Earth's resources and obtaining potable water, so the response should use that exact curriculum context rather than a generic statement. The answer is correct when it names the key idea, explains the link to desalination, and keeps the wording specific to AQA GCSE revision.
Common mistake
Confusing Distillation and Reverse Osmosis
Students often confuse the processes of distillation and reverse osmosis, thinking they are the same method for desalination.
Do not treat this as a general statement about desalination. Instead, answer by clearly linking the correction to compare distillation and membrane processes such as reverse osmosis for desalination in Potable water. This keeps the response inside Using the Earth's resources and obtaining potable water and prevents a vague or off-topic GCSE answer. The mistake to avoid is: students often confuse the processes of distillation and reverse osmosis, thinking they are the same method for desalination.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.