Reducing Heating in Circuits (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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Explaining Heating in Circuits

  • When electricity passes through a component, there is energy transferred to heat
  • This is due to collisions between:
    • Electrons flowing in the conductor, and
    • The lattice of atoms within the metal conductor

  • Electricity, in metals, is caused by a flow of electrons
    • This is called the current

  • Metals are made up of a lattice of ions
  • As the electrons pass through the metal lattice they collide with ions
    • The ions resist the flow of the electrons

Electrons and resistance, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

As electrons flow through the metal, they collide with ions, making them vibrate more

  • When the electrons collide, they lose some energy by giving it to the ions, which start to vibrate more
    • As a result of this, the metal heats up

  • This heating effect is utilised in many appliances, including:
    • Electric heaters
    • Electric ovens
    • Electric hob
    • Toasters
    • Kettles

Reducing Heating in Circuits

  • In most electrical appliances, the heat is not wanted
    • As well as being unwanted, it can also be dangerous

  • The amount of heat created in wires can be reduced in a couple of ways:
    • Reduce the current in the wires
    • Uses wires with a lower resistance

  • Copper is usually used in electrical wiring as it has a relatively low resistance and is fairly cheap
    • Lower resistance alternatives exist, but they are more expensive

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.