Understanding the National Grid

What is the National Grid?

• A communication network for internet services

• A system for water distribution

• A giant network of transformers and wires for electricity distribution

• A network of roads and highways

Where does most of the UK's electricity come from?

• Solar panels

• Hydroelectric dams

• Wind turbines

• Power stations

What is the main purpose of a power station?

• To generate heat and convert it into electrical energy

• To store electricity

• To reduce electricity demand

• To distribute electricity to homes

When does electricity demand typically peak?

• At noon

• At midnight

• In the late afternoon and evening

• In the early morning

Why do power stations often run below their maximum power output?

• To reduce pollution

• To cope with surges in demand

• To save fuel

• To prevent overheating

What is the equation for power?

• Power = Voltage / Current

• Power = Voltage - Current

• Power = Voltage + Current

• Power = Voltage x Current

Why is it important to keep the current low during electricity transmission?

• To prevent electrical shocks

• To make the wires last longer

• To reduce energy loss due to heat

• To increase the speed of transmission

What is the role of step-up transformers in the National Grid?

• To convert electricity to heat

• To store electricity

• To increase the voltage

• To decrease the voltage

What voltage is electricity typically increased to for transmission across the country?

• 400 volts

• 1,000 volts

• 230 volts

• 400,000 volts

Why must the voltage be reduced before electricity reaches homes?

• To prevent high electricity bills

• To increase the speed of electricity

• To reduce the risk of power outages

• To make it compatible with home appliances