8463/1H June 2022

  • Figure​​ 8​​ shows​​ how​​ electricity​​ is​​ supplied​​ to​​ consumers​​ by​​ the​​ National​​ Grid.

I-​​ Explain why transformer​​ X is used in the National Grid.

[4 marks]

SOLUTION

Transformer X increases potential difference & decreases​​ current. By keeping the current low, less energy is wasted​​ in the form of heat​​ and the whole system is much more efficient.

II-​​ Explain why transformer Y is used in the National Grid.

[2 marks]

SOLUTION

Transformer Y​​ lowers the potential difference (and increases current)​​ to​​ a safer​​ value.

III-​​ The town of Hornsdale in Australia has electricity supplied by a huge battery.

On one day the battery transferred​​ 3.24 × 1011​​ J of energy to the town.​​ 

The potential difference of the town’s electricity supply is 230 V.

Calculate the charge flow to the town on this day. Use the Physics Equations Sheet.

Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

[ 4 marks]

SOLUTION

V=EQ

Making Q as the subject.

Q = EV

Q= 3.24×1011230

Q=1410000000

Q=1.41×109 C