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Physics > Electricity > Flashcards

Electricity Flashcards

1
Q

Potential difference / voltage

A

Work done per unit charge that passes between two points in an electrical circuit

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2
Q

Voltmeter

A

Voltage is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter

A voltmeter must be connected in parallel of the component as it measures the p.d across the circuit

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3
Q

Voltage in a series circuit

A

The p.d is shared among components, with the same voltage for each component

Total V = V1 + V2

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4
Q

Voltage in a parallel circuit

A

The p.d supplied is equal to the voltages across each of the parallel components

V1 = V2 = V3

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5
Q

Current

A

The amount of charge that passes a specific point in the circuit

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6
Q

Ammeter

A

Current is measured in amperes (A) using an ammeter

An ammeter must be connected in series with the circuit to measure the current flowing through it

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7
Q

Current in a series circuit

A

The current flows through one continuous pathway, the current flowing through it

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8
Q

Current in a parallel circuit

A

The current divides at the point where the circuit branches

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9
Q

Resistance

A

Is the opposition to the flow of charge

Measured in ohms (Ω)

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10
Q

Resistance in a series circuit

A

When two or more resistors are connected, the combined resistance is higher than the individual resistance

Total R = R1 + R2

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11
Q

Resistance in a parallel circuit

A

When two or more resistors are connected, the current splits at the branches and does not go through each resistor, therefore the total combined resistance is less than any of the individual resistors

1 / total resistance = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2

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12
Q

Diode

A

Allows current to flow in a forward direction

The diode has a very high resistance in the reverse direction (current and voltage is never negative)

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13
Q

Light-dependent resistor (LDR)

A

The resistance of an LDR decreases as light intensity increases

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14
Q

Filament lamp

A

The resistance of a filament lamp increases as the temperature of the filament increases

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15
Q

Resistor

A

Resistance remains constant as the current changes

Current and voltage are directly proportional

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16
Q

Thermistor

A

The resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases

The applications of thermistors in circuits e.g. a thermostat is required

17
Q

Energy transferred formula

A

Voltage x charge

Q x V

18
Q

Energy transferred formula (2)

A

Power x time

P x T

19
Q

Charge formula

A

Current x time

I x T

20
Q

Power formula

A

Current x voltage

I x V

21
Q

Power formula (2)

A

Current² x resistance

I² x R

22
Q

Factors that affect resistance practical

A

Create a parallel circuit

Connect the crocodile clips to the resistance wire, 100 centimetres apart

Record the reading on the ammeter and on the
voltmeter

Move one of the crocodile clips closer until they are 90 cm apart

Record the new readings on the ammeter and the voltmeter

Repeat the previous steps reducing the length of the wire by 10 cm each time down to a minimum length of 10 cm

23
Q

Characteristics of a variety of circuit elements practical

A

Create a circuit with a voltmeter around a component (resistor, bulb and a diode)

Ensure that the power supply is set to zero at the start

Record the reading on the voltmeter and ammeter

Use the variable resistor to alter the potential
difference

Repeat steps three to four, each time increasing the potential difference slightly

Repeat the experiment but replace the components

24
Q

Mains electricity

A

Is an ac supply

Frequency of 50 Hz and voltage of 230V

25
Q

Plug

A

Live wire - brown

Neutral wire - blue

Earth wire - green

26
Q

Neutral wire

A

Blue colour

On the left of the plug

0V

27
Q

Live wire

A

Brown colour

On the right of the plug

230V

28
Q

Earth wire

A

Yellow and green colour

In the middle of the plug

0V

29
Q

Outer insulation

A

Made from plastic

30
Q

Cable grip

A

This holds the cable tightly in place so that wires do not become loose

31
Q

Fuse

A

The fuse contains a thin wire that will melt if the current is too high, breaking the circuit and the flow of current, preventing electrocution

32
Q

Earthing

A

When there is a fault the earth wire takes the current from the live wire and sends it to the ground instead of the person touching it

33
Q

The National Grid

A

The National Grid distributes electricity across the country

34
Q

Transformers

A

A transformer is formed from two coils of wire around a magnetic core

The number of coils determines whether the transformers will step-up or step-down the voltage

35
Q

Step-up transformers

A

Increases the voltage and reduces the current, which reduces energy lost through heat

36
Q

Step-down transformers

A

Reduces the voltage from the transmission voltage to the safer voltage of 230 V for home use

37
Q

Static electricity

A

When an object becomes charged from friction between insulators

Physics (10 decks)

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