Current Electricity Flashcards
Electric Circuit
Continuous path in which electrons can flow
Load
The part of an electric circuit that converts electrical energy into other forms of energy
Switch
A device in the electric circuit that controls the flow of electrons by opening and closing the circuit
Electrical energy
Energy provided by the flow of electrons in an electric circuit
Electric Cell
A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
Primary cell
An electric cell that may only be used once
Secondary cell
An electric cell that can be recharged
DC
Electrons flow in one direction
AC
Electrons move back and fourth
How is electricity generated?
•Electric generating stations convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
•External energy source pushes blades of turbine
•Turbine is connected to generator
•Coil of wire held 2 poles of magnetic generator
•Electrons flow in wire
•Move in transition lines to electrical outlet
How do fossil fuels work?
•Fossil fuels are burned to heat water
•Creates steam
•Spins turbines
•Chemical - Thermal - Mechanical - Electrical
Advantages to fossil fuels
•Cheap
•Employs a lot of people
•Infastructure already exists in many places
How does nuclear energy work?
•Lake water
•Creates steam
•Nuclear generating stations
•Electrical energy
Advantages/Disadvantages to nuclear energy
•Does not directly cause acid precipitation
•Radiactive waste
•Affects aquatic ecosystems
•Pollution
•Habitat loss
How does hydro-electric energy work?
•Dam
•Resevoir
•Flow of water
•Turbine
•Generator
•Long distance power line
Advantages/Disadvantages to hydro electric
•No pollution
•Dams affect watersheds
•Migration of fish disrupted
•Land areas may flood
How does wind energy work?
•Wind
•Turbine
•Generator
•Electrical energy
Advantages/Disadvantages to wind
•No pollution
•Easily removed or added
•Difficult to generate a steady supply
How does Solar/Photovaltic energy work
•Light
•Solar panels
•Solar cell
•Electrical energy