Electricity 2 Flashcards
what makes metals such good conductors
they have lots of free electrons that can flow easily
why do insulators not carry electricity
they dont have any free electrons
define ressistance
how hard it is for the electrons to move through a component
what is resistance measured in
ohms
why do high resistance wires get hot
because the electrons are hitting the atoms, transferring energy to them as heat
why does heat a component increase resistance in it
as atoms are vibrating faster, electrons bump into more of them, so its more difficult to get through
power is
the rate energy is transferred by an appliance
power is measure in
watts (W)
power equation
P = E/t (power (W) = energy (J) / time (s))
potential difference =
current X resistance
AC is
alternating current - comes from a generator - potential difference goes above and below 0
DC is
Direct current - comes from batteries and solar panels - potential difference always positive
mains electricity
at 230v and 50Hz
energy transferred =
power (watts) / time (secs)
What is static electricity
when insulators are rubbed against each other (!) electrons rub off one onto the other - creating charge