National Grid — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise National Grid for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Magnetic Fields (GCSE)What is National Grid?
The National Grid is the network of cables and transformers that connects power stations to consumers across the UK. To transmit the huge amount of power required, electricity is sent at a very high potential difference (voltage) and a low current. This reduces the energy lost as heat in the cables, making the transmission more efficient.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The reasons for using high voltage and transformers are key concepts.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Electricity is generated at 25,000V and stepped up to 400,000V for transmission. Why is this done? Solution: By increasing the voltage by a factor of 16, the current is reduced by a factor of 16 for the same power transmission. Since energy loss due to heat is proportional to the current squared, the energy loss is reduced by a factor of 16² = 256. This makes the transmission much more efficient.
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Common mistakes
- 1Not understanding why high voltage is used. High voltage allows for a low current for the same amount of power (P=VI). The energy loss due to heating is proportional to the current squared (P=I²R), so a low current is crucial for efficiency.
- 2Confusing the roles of step-up and step-down transformers. Step-up transformers at power stations increase the voltage for transmission. Step-down transformers in local substations decrease the voltage for safe use.
- 3Thinking that the electricity is stored in the grid. The National Grid is a transmission system; electricity is generated on demand to match consumption.
National Grid exam questions
Exam-style questions for National Grid with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for National Grid
Core concept
The National Grid is the network of cables and transformers that connects power stations to consumers across the UK. To transmit the huge amount of power required, electricity is sent at a very high p…
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Grid?
The National Grid is a system of high-voltage power lines and transformers that transport electricity from power stations to homes, businesses, and factories across the country.
Why is it better to transmit electricity at high voltages?
Transmitting electricity at high voltages reduces the current needed to transfer the same amount of power. This significantly reduces the amount of energy lost as heat from the cables, making the system more efficient.