Chapter 7 - Electrodynamics Flashcards
What is electricity?
the continuous flow of electrons along the surface of a conductor
What is electrodynamics?
the study of flowing electrical current
What is conductivity?
ability to transmit electrical current
What is a material called when it allows electricity to pass through easily?
conductor
What is a material called that is resistant to the flow of electricity?
insulator OR dielectric
What is a material that will conduct electricity dependent on certain conditions called?
semiconductor
What unit is defined as the rate of one coulomb per second?
AMPERE (measure of current)
What is the rate of flow (speed) of electricity called?
CURRENT (measured in Amperes)
How many electrons are in one mA?
6.3 x 10^15 electrons
What is an electrical circuit?
a circle in which wires leave a battery or generator, pass through devices, and travel back to the battery or generator
What are the three components of an electrical circuit?
- conductor
- source of EMF
- device to be operated
What three changes in a conductor increase its electrical resistance?
- INCREASE LENGTH
- NARROW DIAMETER,
- USE A POOR CONDUCTING MATERIAL OR POOR CONSTRUCTION
What are the two general types of electrical circuits?
- Series
- Parallel
What does it mean to be wired in series?
Devices are connected in a row. If one device fails, they all fail.
What does it mean to be wired in parallel?
Branches of wire split off of the original wire to connect each device. If one device branch fails, the rest stay connected.
What are the 3 characteristics of electricity flowing in circuits?
- current
- resistance
- EMF (electromotive force) or potential difference (voltage)
What is the formula for Ohm’s Law? What does it measure?
V = IR
V = voltage
I = amperage
R = resistance