Electricity
The National Grid
To explain why the National Grid uses high potential differences to reduce energy losses during transmission.

What you will learn

Why the National Grid uses transformers

Why electricity is transmitted at high voltage

How higher voltage reduces current for the same power

Why lower current reduces heating losses

How electricity reaches homes at a safer voltage
Explanation
The National Grid connects generating stations to consumers through cables and transformers. Step-up transformers increase transmission p.d.; step-down transformers reduce it for consumers. For the same transmitted power, higher p.d. means lower current, reducing cable heating losses because P_loss = I²R. Example: A line transmits 2000 W at 100 V. Calculate current. I = 2000 ÷ 100 = 20 A. Rearrange the relationship before substituting if a different quantity is required. Consider the conditions.
