Electricity and Electrical Circuits Flashcards
Describe the two types of electrical current and give an application of each
Direct current is the constant flow if current in one direction only like in a flashlight or mobile phone. Alternating current is the flow of current in one direction and the opposite direction like in a curling iron or table lamp.
Describe the function of the four basic
components of an electric circuit
Source, connecting wires, load, and switch? or Power supply, input device, output device, and conductor?
Source
Also known as the cell or battery, this is the source of electricity. It provides the electromotive force that establishes the potential difference that allows current to flow.
Connecting wires
These act as conductors to direct the flow of electrons. Electrons start at the negative terminal of the battery and move through the wires towards the positive terminal.
Load
This is the electric device or bulb that acts as a recipient of the electrical energy.
Switch
This controls the circuit by turning the electricity on or off
Describe the operation of two types of power
supplies and give their schematic symbols
DC Battery Supply: A collection of single cells forming a DC battery supply.
AC Voltage Source: A sinusoidal voltage source or generator
Describe the function of an electrical schematic
gives a visual shorthand of a circuit that uses standard symbols for components. An electrical schematic is a logical representation of the physical connections and layout of an electric circuit. A well documented schematic outlines the functionality of an electric circuit and provides the basis for assembly and troubleshooting of a system
Describe the function of a switch that controls
an output device and draw a circuit that
represents it and contains the correct symbols
closing the switch allows current to flow
Describe the operation of a manual switch
that controls NO and NC contacts and give the
symbol that represents the component
A manual switch with normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts can have two possible actions:
Normally open
When the switch is actuated, the circuit is completed and electricity flows. This is also known as the “OFF” position. For example, a start button is normally open, so when it’s pressed, the device or machine it controls will turn on.
Normally closed
When the switch is actuated, the circuit is broken and electricity stops flowing. This is also known as the “ON” position. For example, an emergency stop button is normally closed, so when it’s triggered, the machine will stop or remain inactive
Describe the operation of five types of electric
output devices and give their schematic symbols
Lamp:
Resistor:
Buzzer:
Solenoid:
Motor:
