Electeical Principles Flashcards
Define electric current
The rate of movement of electric charge
Define EMF
The force that causes current to flow. Measure in Volts
Define potential difference
The change in electrical potential between two points in a circuit.
Define resistance
The oposition to current flow that a resistor exerts in a circuit.
Define Absolute potential
The voltage at a point in the circuit with reference to earth.
Define a conductor
A material with low resistance that allows current to flow
Define an Insulator
A material with high resistance that doesn’t allow a current to flow.
Define a semi conductor
A material that is neither a good or bad conductor or insulator but can be made to exhibit properties of either
Name 5 conductors
Copper, aluminium, brass, platinum, carbon
Name 5 insulators
Plastic, rubber, glass, air, paper, Cork
Name two semiconductors
Silicon and Germanium
Define an Ammeter
An instrument that has low resistance and is used to measure current. Placed in series with the load.
Define a voltmeter
An instrument that has high resistance and is used to measure potential difference. Placed in parallel with the load.
Define an Ohmmeter
An instrument used to measure resistance. Placed in parallel with the resistor once it has been removed from the circuit.
Define a Wattmeter
An instrument that is used to measure power.
What are MIT 420s or Bridge Meggers used for?
Measuring continuity and insulation resistance.
What are Tachometers / Stroboscopes used for?
To measure rotational speed.
What is a multimeter? State two examples.
A universal instrument used to measure voltage, current and resistance. E.g. an Avometer or Fluke
What is a Cathodic Ray Oscilloscope used for?
To observe voltage wave forms
Define Ohms Law
The current (I) flowing through a circuit is directly proportional to the applied voltage (V) and inversely proportional to the resistance (R), provided the temperature remains constant.
I =V/R
Define Electrical Power
Power is what the equipment consumes when it is in use. (Meausred in Watts)
What two things must be considered when deciding insulation material?
The maximum temperature rating of the material.
The maximum voltage present
What are three causes of short circuits?
Dampness.
Insulation becoming hard or brittle with age or heat.
Accidental damage.
What is the purpose of a fuse?
To prevent overloading of electrical circuits.
Name four factors that affect resistance.
Length
Type of material
Material cross section
Temperature of material
Name four types of resistors
Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
Wire wound resistors.
Metal oxide resistors.
Carbon resistors.