high potential difference
What high potential difference means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of high potential difference
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain high potential difference in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Transmitting at a high potential difference gives a smaller current for the same power, so less energy is dissipated to the surroundings.
The same power can be carried at a high potential difference and a small current, since the transmitted power is P = V I.
Topics that use high potential difference
- The National Grid (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- P = V I
- step-down transformer
- step-up transformer
- transmission efficiency
- I² R heating
- I² R losses
- transformer efficiency
Using high potential difference in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge