• Know that our electrical energy is distributed using
the National Grid system.
• Be able to describe and explain how transformers
reduce energy losses in the power cables.
Task 1
Look at the graph, which
shows the amount of electrical energy used in the UK on one particular
evening. Working with the person next to you, try to explain the
shape of the graph.
• What is the overall trend?
• What is causing the regular
fluctuations?
Task 2
You have just seen one
example of something which affects the amount of energy we use
throughout the day. Try to think of a time of day, or week, or
year, that our demand for electrical energy might be higher or lower
than usual. Your teacher will ask some of you to share your ideas
with the class.
Task 3
The system used to generate
and transport electrical energy is known as the "National Grid".
The amount of electrical energy being used is closely monitored, and
additional power stations are brought on line to help meet the demands,
or shut down when they are not required. The electrical energy is
transported, using overhead and underground cables, to wherever it is
needed.
Your teacher will show you a
demonstration of why the transformers are such an essential part of the
national grid system, and how they prevent heating in the power lines.
Now watch this video, which explains a little more
about how the national grid works.
Teacher note:
there are some questions to go with the video
here.
Task 4
Your teacher will give you a
worksheet with a diagram, and some text. Fill in the missing words
to describe the process by which the electrical energy is distributed.
When you have finished, sort the cards at the bottom of the page into
the correct order to show each step.
/facebook_logo_small.jpg){kind=logo}
/rogue_physicist_logo_new3_small_bold.gif){kind=logo}
