The National Grid

• What is the national grid?

  A giant network of transformers and wires
• From where is electricity in the UK primarily generated?

  From power stations
• What do power stations do to generate electricity?

  They convert thermal energy into electrical energy
• What are the two main processes used in power stations to generate electricity?

  Burning fossil fuels and nuclear fission
• When does electricity demand generally peak?

  In the late afternoon and evening
• Why do power stations need to have spare capacity?

  To cope with surges in demand
• What happens to the power output of power stations during low demand?

  They often run at below maximum output
• What is the equation for power?

  Power = voltage times current
• What is the problem with high current flowing through wires?

  It generates lots of heat due to resistance
• How do we minimize energy loss during electricity transmission?

  By keeping the current low and voltage high
• What do we use to increase the voltage before transmission?

  Step up transformers
• To what voltage do step up transformers increase electricity?

  Around 400,000 volts
• What happens to the voltage before electricity reaches its destination?

  It is reduced by step down transformers
• To what voltage do step down transformers lower electricity?

  Around 230 volts
• Why is it important to lower the voltage before it reaches homes?

  High voltages are dangerous and can damage appliances
• What is the process of electricity transmission through the national grid?

  • Electricity generated in power stations
  • Step up transformers increase voltage to 400,000 volts
  • Electricity transmitted across the country via wires and pylons
  • Step down transformers reduce voltage to 230 volts before reaching homes
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