AQA GCSE Science A New Unit 3

Physics Summary Notes Part 2 (P1.4)

Prepared and compiled by Steve Bishop

Table of Contents
P1.4 Methods we use to generate electricity...................................................................... 2
P1.4.1 Generating electricity ................................................................................................................ 3 P1.4.2 The National Grid ...................................................................................................................... 11

P1.4 Methods we use to generate electricity

Various energy sources can be used to generate the electricity we need. We must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of using each energy source before deciding which energy source(s) it would be best to use in any particular situation. Electricity is distributed via the National Grid. I can: evaluate different methods of generating electricity evaluate ways of matching supply with demand, either by increasing supply or decreasing demand compare the advantages and disadvantages of overhead power lines and underground cables. Key words Supply Demand Generator Turbine Fossil fuel Biofuel Renewable Non-renewable National grid Tidal Geothermal Pylon Transformer

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P1.4.1 Generating electricity

a) In some power stations an energy source is used to heat water. The steam produced drives a turbine that is coupled to an electrical generator. Energy sources include:
the

fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) which are burned to heat water or air uranium and plutonium, when energy from nuclear fission is used to heat water biofuels that can be burned to heat water. b) Water and wind can be used to drive turbines directly.

c) Electricity can be produced directly from the Suns radiation.

d) In some volcanic areas hot water and steam rise to the surface. The steam can be tapped and used to drive turbines. This is known as geothermal energy.

e) Small-scale production of electricity may be useful in some areas and for some uses, eg hydroelectricity in remote areas and solar cells for roadside signs.

f) Using different energy resources has different effects on the environment. These effects include:
the the

release of substances into the atmosphere production of waste materials noise and visual pollution the destruction of wildlife habitats.

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Wind power and wind turbines

Description

For

Against

Solar energy
Description

For

Against

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Hydroelectricity and pumped storage

Description

For

Against

Wave power and tidal barrage

Description

For

Against

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Geothermal
Description

For

Against

Biomass
Description

For

Against

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Coal
Description

For

Against

Oil
Description

For

Against

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Gas
Description

For

Against

Nuclear
Description

For

Against

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P1.4.2 The National Grid

a) Electricity is distributed from power stations to consumers along the National Grid.

There are four main stages: 1. the fuel is burned to boil water to make steam 2. the steam makes a turbine spin 3. the spinning turbine turns a generator which produces electricity 4. the electricity goes to the transformers to produce the correct voltage

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b) For a given power, increasing the voltage reduces the current required and this reduces the energy losses in the cables. c) The uses of step-up and step-down transformers in the National Grid. A transformer is an electrical device that changes the voltage of an alternating current (ac) supply, such as the mains electrical supply. A transformer changes a high-voltage supply into a low-voltage one, or vice versa. A transformer that increases the voltage is called a step-up transformer. A transformer that decreases the voltage is called a step-down transformer.

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Underground or overground?
Use the following terms in the correct categories to compare underground and overground means of transporting electricity A lot needed Hidden No Easy High Not much needed Low Less reliable Yes Hard More reliable Ugly

Overhead

Underground

Set-up costs

Amount of looking after needed?

Easy to get to if there is a problem?

How does it look?

Affected by weather?

Reliability?

How easy to set up?

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Name three non-renewable energy resources

Name three renewable resources

Give three advantages of renewable energy resources

Name the energy obtained from underground.

Name the energy made from plants and waste

Complete the sentences: Use these words (they may be used more than once)

decrease

electricity

generator

heat

increase

turbine

water

In a power station energy sources are used to produce h______ . The heat is used to boil w_____ . The steam drives a t_________ . The t___________ is coupled to a g___________. The g__________ produces the e__________ . This is distributed to homes by the N__________ G________. A step-up transformer is used to ____________ the voltage A step-down transformer is used to ____________ the voltage.

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Label the diagram:

1. 2. 3. 4.

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