Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the typical energy efficiency range for most combined cycle gas turbines?
What is the typical energy efficiency range for most combined cycle gas turbines?
What is the standard unit for measuring electrical current?
What is the standard unit for measuring electrical current?
How much CO2 equivalent is produced per unit of electricity, according to DEFRA?
How much CO2 equivalent is produced per unit of electricity, according to DEFRA?
What is the nominal mains voltage in Britain and many EU countries?
What is the nominal mains voltage in Britain and many EU countries?
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How long would a 20W low-energy bulb take to consume 1kWh of electricity?
How long would a 20W low-energy bulb take to consume 1kWh of electricity?
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What percentage of the UK's electricity demand is met by renewable sources?
What percentage of the UK's electricity demand is met by renewable sources?
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What is electrical efficiency?
What is electrical efficiency?
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How is electrical current measured?
How is electrical current measured?
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What is the approximate carbon cost of every unit of grid electricity?
What is the approximate carbon cost of every unit of grid electricity?
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What is the typical annual electricity usage of an average UK household?
What is the typical annual electricity usage of an average UK household?
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Which two colors are used for the earth wire in a standard UK plug?
Which two colors are used for the earth wire in a standard UK plug?
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What is the standard voltage for UK mains electricity?
What is the standard voltage for UK mains electricity?
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How long will a 20W low energy light bulb take to consume ONE unit of electricity?
How long will a 20W low energy light bulb take to consume ONE unit of electricity?
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Study Notes
UK Electricity Generation and Consumption
- Most UK electricity comes from coal and gas power stations (approximately two-thirds).
- Renewable sources like hydro-electric provide 6.6% of the UK's electricity.
- Nuclear power contributes to electricity generation as well.
Efficiency of Electrical Generation
- Efficiency measures the percentage of original fuel energy converted into electrical energy.
- Modern combined-cycle gas turbines can reach around 50% efficiency, but typical efficiency is closer to 30%.
Electrical Units and Measurements
- Electrical current is measured in amperes (amps).
- UK mains voltage is nominally 230V.
- A kilowatt-hour (kWh) represents a unit of electricity.
- Earth wires in a standard UK plug are yellow and green.
Household Electricity Consumption
- The average UK household uses approximately 4,000 kWh of electricity annually.
- Gas consumption is also significant, with the average household using 16,000 kWh.
Carbon Footprint of Electricity
- The carbon cost of a unit of grid electricity is roughly 0.544 kg of CO2 equivalent.
Appliance Energy Consumption Example
- A 20-watt low-energy light bulb takes 50 hours to consume 1 kWh of electricity.
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Description
This quiz covers key aspects of electricity generation and consumption in the UK. It explores sources of electricity, efficiency measures, electrical units, and average household usage. Test your knowledge on how the UK powers its homes and the implications for carbon footprints.
