Electricity in the Home

Question 1

What is an alternating current?

Answer 1

A current constantly changing direction. voltage can go from positive to negative

Question 2

What is direct current?

Answer 2

One direction and is either positive or negative

Question 3

What is UK mains voltage?

Answer 3

230V

Question 4

Mains Hertz?

Answer 4

50Hz

Question 5

Is mains AC OR DC?

Answer 5

AC

Question 6

Are batteries and cells AC OR DC?

Answer 6

DC

Question 7

What colour is a live wire?

Answer 7

Brown

Question 8

What does a live wire do?

Answer 8

Carry voltage and alternates from high +VE to -VE at 230V

Question 9

What colour is a neutral wire?

Answer 9

Blue

Question 10

What does a neutral wire do?

Answer 10

Electricity flows in through live wire and out neutral. Is always 0V

Question 11

What colours are an earth wire?

Answer 11

Green and yellow

Question 12

What is the purpose of an earth wire?

Answer 12

For safety and protection. It carries current and if something goes wrong. Is 0V

Question 13

Potential difference between live and neutral

Answer 13

230

Question 14

Potential difference between neutral and earth

Answer 14

0V

Question 15

Potential difference between live and earth?

Answer 15

230V

Question 16

Why do plug sockets heave switches?

Answer 16

They are connected to live wire so that current can be stopped