6.11 The Distribution of Electrical Energy

Which source(s) can provide a high amount of electrical energy? (i.e. enough to power a group of houses)

• non-renewable sources only

• renewable sources only

• both renewable and non-renewable sources

• neither non-renewable nor renewable sources

Electrical energy is passed through a step up transformer shortly after it leaves a power station. Why?

• By increasing voltage and lowering current, electrical energy transfer loses less energy to heat and is therefore more efficient.

• By increasing voltage and lowering current, electrical energy transfer loses more energy to heat and is therefore more efficient.

• By decreasing voltage and increasing current, electrical energy transfer loses less energy to heat and is therefore more efficient.

• By decreasing voltage and increasing current, electrical energy transfer loses more energy to heat and is therefore more efficient.

Before power travels into our homes, it goes through a step down transformer. Why?

• Power stations are typically higher than us in altitude.

• Power stations are typically lower than us in altitude.

• Voltage needs to be reduced to a safe level for us to use.

• Voltage needs to be increased to a safe level for us to use.

Why are turbines used in many forms of electrical energy generation?

• they convert kinetic energy of a moving fluid directly into electrical power

• they convert kinetic energy of a moving fluid into rotary mechanical power

• they convert kinetic energy of a moving fluid into chemical power

• they convert kinetic energy of a moving fluid into nuclear power

Select all that apply. Arcs are light produced by air molecules when current jumps a gap in an electric circuit. What are some precautions we take to prevent these arcs from hurting us?

• using thin wires

• proper wire insulation

• placing wires low to the ground

• placing wires high above the ground