Question detail
Explain why ultraviolet light is used as a method for sterilising potable water.
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
Explain why ultraviolet light is used as a method for sterilising potable water.
Answer
Ultraviolet light is used for sterilising potable water because it effectively kills bacteria and viruses without adding chemicals to the water, ensuring it remains safe to drink.
Explanation
A strong answer should directly address the approved learning objective to recall chlorine, ozone and ultraviolet light as sterilising methods for potable water. 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 potable water, and keeps the wording specific to AQA GCSE revision.
Common mistake
Confusing Sterilisation Methods
Students often confuse the sterilising methods for potable water, thinking that chlorine and ozone serve the same purpose as ultraviolet light.
Remember that chlorine and ozone are chemical methods that disinfect water, while ultraviolet light is a physical method that kills microbes without adding chemicals.
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