TRANSFORMERS AND NATIONAL GRIDS

2 marks · Normal

State one purpose of a step-up transformer and one purpose of a step-down transformer in the National Grid.

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Also accept: Step-up: increases voltage for transmission / reduces current to decrease energy loss; Step-down: reduces voltage for safe use in homes

Common mistakes: Saying step-up transformer increases current; Saying step-down transformer is used to transmit power long distances

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Correctly states that step-up transformer increases voltage (and/or decreases current) for transmission.

B2 · 1 mark · Correctly states that step-down transformer decreases voltage for safe use where needed.

Worked solution

A step-up transformer increases the voltage and decreases the current for transmission through National Grid wires, reducing energy loss. A step-down transformer decreases the voltage to make electricity safe and suitable for use in homes and factories.