AQA · Physics · 8463
GCSE Physics: The National Grid
Electricity · AQA GCSE Physics (8463), specification point 4.2.4.3. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "The National Grid", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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What is the National Grid?
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A system of cables and transformers linking power stations to consumers.
The National Grid is a system of cables and ? linking power stations to consumers.
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transformers
What is transferred from power stations to consumers using the National Grid?
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Electrical power.
What does a step-up transformer do in the National Grid?
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It increases the potential difference from the power station to the transmission cables.
What does a step-down transformer do in the National Grid?
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It decreases the potential difference to a much lower value for domestic use.
? transformers are used to increase the potential difference before transmission through the cables.
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Step-up
? transformers reduce the potential difference to a much lower value for domestic use.
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Step-down
Where in the National Grid are step-up transformers located?
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Between the power station and the transmission cables.
Why is the National Grid an efficient way to transfer energy?
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Step-up transformers raise the potential difference, so the current in the cables is lower; a lower current means less energy is wasted as heat in the cables.
Why is potential difference stepped down before electricity reaches homes?
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Very high potential differences would be dangerous for domestic use, so it is reduced to a much lower, safer value.
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