Figure 1 shows the inside of a plug - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
Figure 1 shows the inside of a plug.
The plug is not wired correctly.
What should be done to connect the wires in the plug correctly?
The correctly wired plug and ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 1 shows the inside of a plug - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
The plug is not wired correctly. What should be done to connect the wires in the plug correctly?
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Answer
To correct the wiring of the plug, the blue wire must be swapped with the green and yellow wire. Specifically, connect the blue wire to the neutral pin and the yellow and green wire to the earth pin.
Step 2
Give the potential difference and frequency of the mains electricity supply in the UK.
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Answer
The potential difference is 230 V.
The frequency is 50 Hz.
Step 3
What is the potential difference between the neutral wire and the earth wire?
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Answer
The potential difference between the neutral wire and the earth wire is 0 V.
Step 4
Draw the circuit symbol for a fuse in the space below.
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Answer
The circuit symbol for a fuse is represented as a rectangle, indicating the fuse element, within a simple circuit diagram.
Step 5
Explain why it would not be safe for a person to touch the metal case.
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Answer
If the earth wire is not connected to the metal case, the person could receive an electric shock because there is a current that could flow through them. The lack of a proper earth connection means that the metal case is live, creating a risk of electrocution.
Step 6
Explain why it would now be safe for a person to touch the metal case.
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Answer
Once the earth wire is connected to the metal case, it provides a safe path for the electrical charge to flow to the ground. This ensures that in the case of a fault, the charge will not pass through a person, as the potential difference across the person will be eliminated.
