electricity p.2 Flashcards
source
A thing or a device that brings energy into the system (circuit)
conductor
A material that generates electricity and allows it to flow through it (wire)
resistance
the ratio of the potential difference across a load (how much energy is lost) to the current through the load.
electrical current
the rate (speed) of the movement of electric charge (electron flow) in a circuit
load
An electrical item that consumes all the electrical power (lightbulb consuming power to light up)
potential difference/voltage
the difference in electrical potential energy when a charge is moved between 2 points in an electric circuit
series circuit
circuit in which charges have only 1 path to follow
parallel circuit
circuit in which charges have more than 1 path to follow
electric current in electrical circuits
current is measured in Amperes in a series circuit will be the same at each point in the circuit
voltage in electrical circuits
voltage is measured in volts in a series circuit is split up at each load in the circuit
resistance in electrical circuits
resistance is measured in Ohms in a series circuit will be different at each load in the circuit
static electricity
an imbalance of electric charge stays on the surface of an object
current electricity
The controlled flow of electrons through a conductor
factors affecting resistance
- type of material - the poorer the conductor, the greater the resistance
- cross-sectional area - the thinner the wire, the greater the resistance
- wire length - the larger the wire, the greater the resistance
- temperature - the higher the temperature, the greater the resistance
3 different formals for Ohm’s Law
Resistance= voltage÷current
voltage=current x resistance
current= voltage÷resistance
what is an electrical insulator
Something that doesnt allow electricity to flow through it
renewable energy
Geothermal
Solar
Wind
Tidal (Hydro)
Biomass (if properly managed)
non-renewable energy
Fossil Fuels (Natural gas, propane, coal, and petroleum)
Nuclear
How are Ammeters connected?
series
How are Voltmeters connected?
Parallel
If the Ammeter/Voltmeter shows a negative number what does that mean?
The wires were incorrectly connected and needed to be switched.
Combination Circuit
Circuit in which it has both elements of series and parallel.
Unsafe use of circuits can cause?
Short circuiting
Automatic fuses?
Circuit breakers
symbol and unit for
current
resistance
voltage
I - Amperes
R - Ω (Ohm)
V - volts
resistor
a device that reduces the current in a circuit