3.2 electrical energy

• how do everyday appliances transfer energy?

  electrically from the mains to energy stores within the appliance
• what happens to the energy in a heater?

  it is transferred to the thermal store of the heating element, and then to the thermal store of the surroundings
• what factors determine the amount of energy transferred to and from an appliance? (2)


  - how long the appliance is switched on for

  - the power of the appliance
• how does the duration of appliance usage affect energy transfer?


  the longer the appliance is switched on, the more energy is transferred to and from the appliance
• how does the power of an appliance affect energy transfer?


  appliances with higher power transfer more energy compared to appliances with lower power
• what happens as current flows around a circuit?


  energy is transferred from the power source to the various components (which may then transfer energy to the surroundings)
• what happens when charge passes through the power supply in a circuit?


  energy is transferred to the electrons
• what occurs as electrons pass through each component in a circuit?


  they transfer energy to the component
• how do some domestic appliances like a remote control transfer energy?

  electrically from DC cells and batteries
• how do most larger household appliances transfer energy?

  electrically from the AC mains
• where is the energy often transferred in domestic appliances with electric motors?

  to the kinetic energy store of the motor
• what is the role of a motor in a vacuum cleaner?


  to create suction for dust and dirt removal
• what is the function of a motor in washing machines or tumble dryers?


  to rotate the drum for washing or drying clothes
• how is the motor used in refrigerators?


  to compress the refrigerant chemical into a liquid to reduce temperature
• what is the purpose of heating in a toaster?


  to toast bread
• what is the purpose of heating in a kettle?


  to boil hot water
• how does heating work in radiators?


  hot water is pumped from the boiler to heat up a room