# A tumble dryer transfers electrical energy to dry clothes. Not all of the electrical energy is usefully transferred. Explain what happens to the wasted energy in the tumble dryer and describe one way the efficiency of the tumble dryer could be increased.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.1.2 Conservation and dissipation of energy · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The wasted energy is dissipated to the surroundings / transferred to thermal energy store of the surroundings
2. The total energy is conserved / energy cannot be created or destroyed
3. Efficiency can be increased by reducing waste energy, e.g. by using lubrication / thermal insulation / recycling waste thermal energy back into the system
4. Reducing waste energy means a greater proportion of the total energy input is usefully transferred / the ratio of useful output to total input increases

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](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-transfers-electrical-energy-95577bad) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.