Chapter 5: Electrical Energy Fundamentals

Question 1

A(n) ____ is the smallest particle of an element.

Answer 1

Atom

Question 2

Protons

Answer 2

The positively charged particles in the nucleus of an atom

Question 3

Neutrons

Answer 3

Particles with no charge in the nucleus of an atom

Question 4

Electrons

Answer 4

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom

Question 5

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 ______.

Answer 5

Free electrons

Question 6

Conductor

Answer 6

A material which conducts electricity well because it has a lot of free electrons

Question 7

Insulator

Answer 7

A material that doesn’t conduct electricity well because it has only a few free electrons, or none at all

Question 8

Current

Answer 8

The flow of electrons from a body with a high electron count to a body with a low electron count.

Question 9

Equilibrium

Answer 9

When two bodies have an equal number of electrons

Question 10

Electrical potential

Answer 10

The ability to provide free electrons

Question 11

Differences in electrical potential are measured in _____.

Answer 11

Volts

Question 12

Direct current (dc)

Answer 12

A current which only flows in one direction

Question 13

Alternating current (ac)

Answer 13

Continuously reverses the direction of its flow

Question 14

Hertz

Answer 14

Cycles per second

Question 15

What is the standard ac current in the US measured in hertz?

Answer 15

60 Hz

Question 16

A basic chemical device for providing electrical power is the _____.

Answer 16

Voltaic cell

Question 17

Anode

Answer 17

The positive pole in a voltaic cell

Question 18

Cathode

Answer 18

The negative pole in a voltaic cell

Question 19

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.

Answer 19

Electrolyte

Question 20

Battery

Answer 20

A group of voltaic cells

Question 21

Wet cell battery

Answer 21

Uses a liquid chemical as an electrolyte

Question 22

Dry cell battery

Answer 22

Uses a somewhat dry chemical paste for its electrolyte

Question 23

Generator

Answer 23

Uses mechanical energy to create differences in electrical potential between two electrical poles

Question 24

Amperage (I)

Answer 24

The rate of the flow of current

Question 25

Ampere (A)

Answer 25

The unit used to measure current

Question 26

The equipment where electricity enters a house is usually rated at how many amps?

Answer 26

100 A or 200 A

Question 27

Electromotive force (E or emf)

Answer 27

The pressure (electrical potential) that moves electrons through a conductor

Question 28

What is the unit of measure for electromotive force?

Answer 28

Volt (V)

Question 29

Most residential wiring is rated at how many volts?

Answer 29

120 V and 240 V

Question 30

Resistance (R)

Answer 30

The opposition to the flow of electrons through a conductor, similar to friction

Question 31

What is the unit of measure for resistance?

Answer 31

Ohms (Ω)

Question 32

Power (P)

Answer 32

The rate of doing work

Question 33

What is the unit of measurement for power?

Answer 33

Watts (W) or volt-amperes (VA)

Question 34

Work

Answer 34

How much power is consumed over a period of time

Question 35

What is the unit of measurement for work?

Answer 35

Joules (J)

Question 36

One joule is one ______.

Answer 36

Watt-second