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The National Grid

Electricity

The National Grid

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

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What you will learn

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Why the National Grid uses transformers

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Why electricity is transmitted at high voltage

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How higher voltage reduces current for the same power

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Why lower current reduces heating losses

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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.

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