⚡ Show all working — the AI marks against the AQA mark scheme. Method marks awarded for correct working even if the final answer is wrong.
1 markUK mains frequencyAQA 8463 style
What is the frequency of UK mains electricity?
A 50 kHz
B 50 Hz
C 230 Hz
D 60 Hz
1 markCorrect wire colourAQA 8463 style
In a UK plug, which wire is brown?
A Neutral
B Earth
C Live
D Fuse wire
4 marksWhy fuses and earth wires protectAQA 8463 style
Explain how the earth wire and fuse work together to protect a user from electric shock if the live wire inside a metal-cased appliance comes loose and touches the casing. (4 marks)
Hint: Chain: casing becomes live → earth wire provides low-resistance path → large current → fuse blows → circuit broken → safe. Explain what would happen without each component.
+40 XP
1 markDouble insulationAQA 8463 style
Why does a plastic-cased hair dryer not need an earth wire?
A Plastic appliances use DC not AC, which is safer
B The plastic casing cannot conduct electricity, so even if the live wire touches it, the casing remains safe to touch
C Hair dryers always have RCDs which replace the earth wire
D Hair dryers operate at a lower voltage that is not dangerous