P1.4 - Methods we use to Generate Electricity

Question 1

What can be used to drive turbines?

Answer 1

Water or wind

Question 2

How can electricity be produced by the sun?

Answer 2

Directly from its raidation

Question 3

What is geothermal energy?

Answer 3

In some volcanic areas, hot water and steam rise to the surface. The steam can be tapped and used to drive turbines, creaking geothermal energy

Question 4

Name some small scale methods for producing electricity:

Answer 4

Hydroelectric or solar panels

Question 5

What can small scale production of electricity be used for?

Answer 5

Hydroelectricity for small remote areas and solar cells for road signs

Question 6

What effects does using different energy resources have on the environment?

Answer 6

• the release of substances into the atmosphere
• the production of waste materials
• noise and visual pollution
• the destruction of wildlife habitats

Question 7

What is the National Grid used for?

Answer 7

To distribute electricity form power stations to consumers

Question 8

What are the 4 main stages of electricity production in a power station?

Answer 8

• the fuel is burned to boil water to make steam
• the steam makes a turbine spin
• the spinning turbine turns a generator which produces electricity
• the electricity goes to the transformers to produce the correct voltage

Question 9

What is a transformer?

Answer 9

an electrical device that changes the voltage of an alternating current (ac) supply, such as the mains electrical supply. A transformer changes a high-voltage
supply into a low-voltage one, or vice versa.

Question 10

What is a step up transformer?

Answer 10

One that increases the voltage

Question 11

What is a step down transformer?

Answer 11

One the decreases the voltage

Question 12

When a current flows through a wire, some energy is lost as…

Answer 12

…heat

Question 13

The higher the current flowing through a wire…

Answer 13

…the more heat that is lost

Question 14

What happens when the voltage is increased?

Answer 14

It reduces the current required , therefore reducing the energy lost in cables

Question 15

What kind of transformer is used when the electricity leaves the power station and goes onto the National Grid?

Answer 15

Step-up transformer

Question 16

Why are transformers an essential part f the National Grid?

Answer 16

Step-up transformers are used at power stations to produce the very high voltages needed to transmit electricity through the National Grid power lines. These high voltages are too dangerous to use in the home, so step-down transformers are used locally to reduce the voltage to safe levels.