Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Recall that in the UK the domestic supply is a.c., at a frequency of 50 Hz…
Full specification wording
Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits: 10.36 Recall that in the UK the domestic supply is a.c., at a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of about 230 V
The mains electricity supplied to UK homes is alternating current (a.c.), so the charge in the wiring reverses direction repeatedly.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 34 of 39
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The mains electricity supplied to UK homes is alternating current (a.c.), so the charge in the wiring reverses direction repeatedly. Two figures describe this supply: its frequency and its voltage. The frequency is 50 Hz, meaning the current completes 50 full cycles each second, so it reverses direction 100 times per second. The voltage is about 230 V, which is the value quoted for the domestic supply; the word 'about' signals that the actual value varies slightly. Remember that 50 Hz is a frequency in hertz, not a voltage, and 230 V is a voltage in volts, not a frequency. Keep the two quantities and their units distinct, and recall that the supply is a.c. rather than d.c.
What earns the marks
- Recalls that the UK domestic supply is alternating current (a.c.).
- States the frequency of the UK domestic supply as 50 Hz.
- States the voltage of the UK domestic supply as about 230 V.
- Keeps the frequency and voltage values with their correct units, hertz and volts.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Swaps the values, giving 230 Hz and 50 V.
Put it right by pairing 50 with hertz and 230 with volts.
Describes the UK domestic supply as d.c.
Put it right by recalling it is a.c.
Omits the word 'about' and treats 230 V as exact.
Put it right by noting the supply is about 230 V.
Exam tips
- Learn the pair 50 Hz and 230 V together so the values and units stay matched.
- Check that you have written hertz for frequency and volts for voltage.
- Remember the supply is a.c., not d.c., when recalling the domestic supply.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits: 10.36 Recall that in the UK the domestic supply is a.c., at a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of about 230 V lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is the approximate voltage of the UK domestic mains supply?
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