GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity When energy is transferred at a high voltage, it uses a lower current, which results in less energy being lost as heat in the cables. The National Grid has to transmit electricity over large distances. If the National Grid was to transmit at 25,000kV from the power station, about 40% of the electrical energy would be lost as heat – the electricity would be expensive as a result. This would also mean that the tall pylons could carry thinner, lighter wires, thus making them cheaper. Step-up- transformer But at 400kV, only 1% of the energy will be lost as heat.

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity We need an electrical distribution system so that if one power station has to shut down, or if there is a problem, other power stations can take its place. Step up transformers are used to increase the voltage of the electricity before it is transmitted, this prevents energy being lost as heat. Step down transformers are used to lower the voltage of the electricity before it’s used in homes. This makes it safer to use in homes. We need an electrical distribution system so that if one power station has to shut down, or if there is a problem, other power stations can take its place. Step up transformers are used to increase the voltage of the electricity before it is transmitted, this prevents energy being lost as heat. Step down transformers are used to lower the voltage of the electricity before it’s used in homes. This makes it safer to use in homes.

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity Information from sensors throughout the country about weather. A network of 1500 buoys floating freely in the Irish Sea giving us a long term view of the weather. BBC ITV S4C Television companies sending data estimating the number of audience expected. National Grid National Grid computers Need Click here to view the electricity demands of Britain at this moment. Click here to view the electricity demands of Britain at this moment. The need for electricity is greater in the winter than in the summer

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr National Grid usage ( MW) Days of the week The graph below shows the use of electricity across Britain over a one week period. What does the above graph tell us about the use of electricity in Britain? Try and describe the shape of the graph – is there a pattern? The graph shows a maximum and minimum amount for each day. Estimate the times where these values occur. What makes the weekends so different? Click on the arrow to move the graph Click here for more data Click here for more data

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity Use of NATIONAL Grid (×1000 MW) Time Kick offHalf timeFull time End of extra time After the penalty shootout Below is a graph of electricity use during one of the World Cup football games. Drag the labels to their correct locations. Click here for the answer Click here for the answer

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity Use of National Grid (×1000 MW) Time Kick off Half time Full time End of extra time After the penalty shootout Below is a graph of electricity use during one of the World Cup football games. Drag the labels to their correct locations.

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity We need an electrical distribution system so that if one power station has to shut down, or if there is a problem, other power stations can take its place. Step up transformers are used to increase the voltage of the electricity before it is transmitted, this prevents energy being lost as heat. Step down transformers are used to lower the voltage of the electricity before it’s used in homes. This makes it safer to use in homes. The energy supply must be constantly monitored so that it meets fluctuating demand! We can’t store the energy that’s generated in a giant battery. We need an electrical distribution system so that if one power station has to shut down, or if there is a problem, other power stations can take its place. Step up transformers are used to increase the voltage of the electricity before it is transmitted, this prevents energy being lost as heat. Step down transformers are used to lower the voltage of the electricity before it’s used in homes. This makes it safer to use in homes. The energy supply must be constantly monitored so that it meets fluctuating demand! We can’t store the energy that’s generated in a giant battery.

GCSE Science A Physics 1 Transmission of Electricity You are the scientific advisor to the government. You have to explain to the Prime Minister David Cameron why we can’t just have one large power station supplying electricity to the whole country. Mr Cameron hasn’t studied Science for a good few years so you shall have to be thorough in your explanations. (Some people also think he’s an idiot) Mr Cameron hasn’t studied Science for a good few years so you shall have to be thorough in your explanations. (Some people also think he’s an idiot)