The National Grid

Question 1

What is the national grid?

Answer 1

The national grid is a system of cables and transformers linking power stations to consumers e.g. homes, shops, factories. Electrical power is transferred from the power stations to consumers using the national grid.

Question 2

What are step up transformers?

Answer 2

Step up Transformers are used to increase the potential difference from the power station to the transmission cables

Question 3

What are step down transformers?

Answer 3

Step down transformers are used to decrease, to a much lower value, the potential difference for domestic use in homes

Question 4

Why are transformers used in the national grid?

Answer 4

Electric current generates heat as it moves through electrical wires. If electricity is transmitted at a very high potential difference and low current, this means less energy is wasted as heat making the whole system more efficient.

Question 5

What do step up transformers do?

Answer 5

Step up transformers increase the potential difference and decrease the current

Question 6

What do step down transformers do?

Answer 6

Step down transformers decrease the potential difference and increase the current