Powering Earth (P6.2) | OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) — Physics — Foundation (J250)

Summary We are reliant on electricity for everyday life and this topic explores the production of electricity. Consideration will be given to the use of non-renewable and renewable resources and the problems that are faced in the efficient transportation of electricity to homes and businesses. Safe use of electricity in the home is also covered in this topic. It may be an opportunity to revisit power and efficiency. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should already be familiar with renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Learners are expected to have a basic understanding of how power stations work and the cost of electricity in the home. They may have some idea of electrical safety features in the home.

Common misconceptions Learners often confuse the idea of energy with terms including the word power such as solar power. There are often difficulties in understanding that higher voltages are applied across power lines and not along them. Another common misconception is that batteries and wall sockets have current inside them ready to escape.

Reference	Mathematical learning outcomes	Maths skills
$PM6.2i$	$potential difference across primary coil (V) \times current in primary coil (A) =$

apply:

potential difference across primary coil (V) \times current in primary coil (A) =

M1a, M1b, M1c, M1d, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d

Learning outcomes	To include	Maths	Working scientifically	Practical suggestions
$P6.2a describe the main energy sources available for use on Earth, compare the ways in which they are used and distinguish between renewable and non-renewable sources$	$fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, biofuel, wind, hydroelectricity, tides and the Sun$		$WS1.1c, WS1.1d, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1g, WS1.1h, WS1.1i, WS1.3e$	$Research of different energy sources. Demonstration of a steam engine and discussion of the transfer of energy taking place.$
$P6.2b explain patterns and trends in the use of energy resources$	$the changing use of different resources over time$	$M2c$	$WS1.1a, WS1.1b, WS1.1c, WS1.1d, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1g, WS1.1h, WS1.1i$	$Research and present information to convince people to invest in energy saving measures. Research how the use of electricity has changed in the last 150 years.$
$P6.2c recall that, in the national grid, electrical power is transferred at high voltages from power stations, and then transferred at lower voltages in each locality for domestic use$
$P6.2d recall that step-up and step-down transformers are used to change the potential difference as power is transferred from power stations$			$WS1.1b, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.3e$	$Use of a model power line to demonstrate the energy losses at lower voltage and higher current.$
$P6.2e explain how the national grid is an efficient way to transfer energy$
$P6.2f recall that the domestic supply in the UK is a.c.at 50 Hz and about 230 volts$
$P6.2g explain the difference between direct and alternating voltage$			$WS1.3b, WS1.3e$	$Use of a data logger to compare a.c. and d.c. output traces. (PAG P6)$
$P6.2h recall the differences in function between the live, neutral and earth mains wires, and the potential differences between these wires$			$WS2a$	$Wiring of a plug.$
$P6.2i explain that a live wire may be dangerous even when a switch in a mains circuit is open, and explain the dangers of providing any connection between the live wire and earth$	$the protection offered by insulation of devices$

P6.2a describe the main energy sources available for use on Earth, compare the ways in which they are used and distinguish between renewable and non-renewable sources

fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, biofuel, wind, hydroelectricity, tides and the Sun

WS1.1c, WS1.1d, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1g, WS1.1h, WS1.1i, WS1.3e

Research of different energy sources. Demonstration of a steam engine and discussion of the transfer of energy taking place.

P6.2b explain patterns and trends in the use of energy resources

the changing use of different resources over time

WS1.1a, WS1.1b, WS1.1c, WS1.1d, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1g, WS1.1h, WS1.1i

Research and present information to convince people to invest in energy saving measures. Research how the use of electricity has changed in the last 150 years.

P6.2c recall that, in the national grid, electrical power is transferred at high voltages from power stations, and then transferred at lower voltages in each locality for domestic use

P6.2d recall that step-up and step-down transformers are used to change the potential difference as power is transferred from power stations

WS1.1b, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.3e

Use of a model power line to demonstrate the energy losses at lower voltage and higher current.

P6.2e explain how the national grid is an efficient way to transfer energy

P6.2f recall that the domestic supply in the UK is a.c.at 50 Hz and about 230 volts

P6.2g explain the difference between direct and alternating voltage

Use of a data logger to compare a.c. and d.c. output traces. (PAG P6)

P6.2h recall the differences in function between the live, neutral and earth mains wires, and the potential differences between these wires

P6.2i explain that a live wire may be dangerous even when a switch in a mains circuit is open, and explain the dangers of providing any connection between the live wire and earth

the protection offered by insulation of devices

Powering Earth

Next Steps

Learning Objectives