Chapter 5: Electrical Energy Fundamentals Flashcards
A(n) ____ is the smallest particle of an element.
Atom
Protons
The positively charged particles in the nucleus of an atom
Neutrons
Particles with no charge in the nucleus of an atom
Electrons
Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom
In some types of matter, electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus and travel only with great difficulty. In other types of matter, the bond is so relaxed that moving is easy. These easy-moving electrons are called ______.
Free electrons
Conductor
A material which conducts electricity well because it has a lot of free electrons
Insulator
A material that doesn’t conduct electricity well because it has only a few free electrons, or none at all
Current
The flow of electrons from a body with a high electron count to a body with a low electron count.
Equilibrium
When two bodies have an equal number of electrons
Electrical potential
The ability to provide free electrons
Differences in electrical potential are measured in _____.
Volts
Direct current (dc)
A current which only flows in one direction
Alternating current (ac)
Continuously reverses the direction of its flow
Hertz
Cycles per second
What is the standard ac current in the US measured in hertz?
60 Hz
A basic chemical device for providing electrical power is the _____.
Voltaic cell
Anode
The positive pole in a voltaic cell
Cathode
The negative pole in a voltaic cell
In a voltaic cell, an acid solution serves as the ______, the chemical solution or medium that allows for the flow of electrons between the anode and cathode.
Electrolyte
Battery
A group of voltaic cells
Wet cell battery
Uses a liquid chemical as an electrolyte
Dry cell battery
Uses a somewhat dry chemical paste for its electrolyte
Generator
Uses mechanical energy to create differences in electrical potential between two electrical poles
Amperage (I)
The rate of the flow of current
Ampere (A)
The unit used to measure current
The equipment where electricity enters a house is usually rated at how many amps?
100 A or 200 A
Electromotive force (E or emf)
The pressure (electrical potential) that moves electrons through a conductor
What is the unit of measure for electromotive force?
Volt (V)
Most residential wiring is rated at how many volts?
120 V and 240 V
Resistance (R)
The opposition to the flow of electrons through a conductor, similar to friction
What is the unit of measure for resistance?
Ohms (Ω)
Power (P)
The rate of doing work
What is the unit of measurement for power?
Watts (W) or volt-amperes (VA)
Work
How much power is consumed over a period of time
What is the unit of measurement for work?
Joules (J)
One joule is one ______.
Watt-second
