# A tumble dryer spins wet clothes inside a drum while blowing hot air through them. Explain how energy is usefully transferred and wasted during this process, and state one way in which the efficiency of the tumble dryer could be improved.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Useful energy transfer identified — electrical energy is usefully transferred to kinetic energy (to spin the drum) and/or thermal/heat energy (to dry the clothes)
2. Waste energy transfer identified — energy is dissipated as heat to the surroundings and/or sound that does not directly serve the purpose of the dryer
3. Waste transfer linked to friction between moving parts / bearings / drum
4. Valid method of improving efficiency stated — lubrication of moving parts to reduce friction, OR improved thermal insulation to reduce heat loss to surroundings

## Key terms

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

## 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-tumble-dryer-spins-wet-clothes-dbd7744e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.