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GCSE Combined Science · key term
The brown-insulated wire that carries the alternating potential difference from the mains supply; its potential difference relative to earth is about 230 V.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 6.2.3.2 · Paper 5, Paper 6
Revise: Mains Electricity and WiringThe potential difference between the live wire and earth is about 230 V. The supply is alternating, so the live wire’s potential changes relative to earth; 230 V is the usual quoted mains value, not a constant direct potential difference.
Paper 5, Paper 6
The mains wire that carries the alternating potential difference from the supply to an appliance.
An open switch stops current in the appliance’s normal circuit; it does not necessarily remove the potential difference between the supply-side live wire and earth.
For an earthing explanation, link each step: live wire touches metal case → current flows through the low-resistance earth path → fuse melts or circuit breaker trips → live supply is disconnected.
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The live wire carries the alternating potential difference from the supply to the appliance. The neutral wire completes the circuit with the live wire, allowing current to flow through the appliance. Both are involved in its normal operation.