Uses & Dangers of Electric Heating (Edexcel GCSE Combined Science): Revision Note

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages of the Heating Effect

• The heating effect is very useful in appliances which are intended to heat up, such as:

  • Electric kettles

  • Electric ovens

  • Domestic heating

  • Electric toasters

A kettle converts electrical work to a thermal energy store

Disadvantages of the Heating Effect

• It results in energy loss, reducing efficiency

  • For example, waste heat in a light bulb or overheating in a computer

• It can pose a fire hazard – many domestic fires are caused by too much current passing through low-quality wiring

  • For example, sparks or excessive heat in an electric motor