Electrical Principles Flashcards
What is resistance?
An electrical components opposition to current
What is current?
The flow of electrons in amps
What is electromotive force?
The number of joules given to each columb of charge through a cell
What is AC and DC?
Alternate current
Direct current
What is alternate current? +/-
Where the electrons change direction it can travel longer distances and its voltage can be changed - however it does fluctuate
What is direct current?
Where the electrons can only travel it one direction
Where is AC and DC used?
AC - mains
DC - batteries
What is a series circuit?
Where there are no branches and goes around in a loop
What is a parallel circuit?
Where the circuits branch off and splits off
Where are series and parallel used?
Parallel - household appliances attached to mains
Series - fairy lights and batteries
Parallel vs Series
In parallel failure of a component doesn’t bring the whole circuit down, also components can be added easily as the voltage doesn’t need to be increased. Series is cheaper
What is ohms law?
Where there is direct proportion with the current between 2 points and the potential difference inbetween them
DC ELECTRO MECHANICAL DEVICES
Motor - converts DC into mechanical power
Generator - converts mechanical to electrical
Relay - electromagnetic switch (turn on / off larger currents)
What is potential difference?
The difference inbetween 2 points on a circuit in volts
