# A student notices that the motor in an old electric fan gets very hot during use. Explain how the manufacturer could improve the efficiency of the fan motor, and describe the effect this would have on the waste energy transfer.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 1.3 Making use of energy · Explain · 4 marks

> An old electric fan motor transfers electrical energy when running. Much of this energy is wasted as heat in the motor.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Lubrication (of moving parts) reduces friction in the motor
2. Reducing friction means less energy is dissipated/wasted as heat
3. A greater proportion of the electrical energy input is usefully transferred (to kinetic energy of the fan blades)
4. The waste energy transfer is reduced / the motor produces less heat

## Key terms

- [efficiency](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/efficiency)
- [waste energy transfer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/waste-energy-transfer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-notices-that-the-motor-f239c4bd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.