Electricity Unit Exam Flashcards
Define Static Charge
-Happens when two objects rub together and transfer electrons.
- A stationary electric charge that is produced by friction and can cause sparks, cracking and attraction to dust and hair
Define Friction
- The rubbing together objects creating static charge
Define Grounding
- When there is a path for electrons to go to, or from a charged object
- Happens when a charged object is touched by a conductor that is touching the ground
- Negatively charged objects the extra electrons moves into the ground
- Positively charged objects electrons are drawn up into the object.
Define Galvanometer
- A device that measures small amounts of current
Define Current
- The amount of charge that passes through a point in the circuit
- Measured using amperes (A) and the variable (I)
Define Resistor
- Used to convert electrical energy to other forms of energy
- Called resistors because they are designed to limit the flow of electricity
- Although, too high of a resistance can stop the circuit from working
- Measured in Ohms
Define Charge by Induction
- Bringing two objects (one charge, one neutral) close together without touching
- This causes temporary charge in the neutral object
- If it is grounded, the charge will stay with the opposite charge
Define Insulators
- Materials that are poor conductors
- The electrons are two attracted to the nucleus, causing them not to move very much
- Examples: rubber, plastic, wood
Define Ammeter
- A device that measures current
- Needs to be connected in series, so the current can flow through the circuit
Define Conduction
- Materials and electrons can easily move through
- Examples: copper, aluminum
- Charges can only build up if it is on top of an insulator because there’s nowhere for it to go
Define Circuit
- It must contain an energy source, a conductor, and a load
- Without a load, it’s a short circuit
- Parts: battery, wires, switches, resistors, and more
Define Electron Affinity
- Tell us how strong the substance can hold electrons
- High electron affinity will steal electrons from lower electron affinity
Define Electroscope
- An instrument that detect static charge
- Helps determine what charge it is
Define Parallel Circuit
- When more than one load is connected separately
- Different path to each load
- If one disconnects, electricity will be continue to
Define Charged by Contact
- Also known as charged by conduction
- The transferring of electrons by touching charged objects to a neutral object
Define a Simple Circuit
Contains only the necessary items for a functioning circuit
A power source/voltage (battery), a conductive path(wires), and a load(light bulb)
What are the possible interactions of charges?
-Opposite charges (+ and -)
-Like charges repel (+ and + or - and -)
-All charged items repel neutral items
What is the role of friction in a charged object?
By rubbing two objects together, friction occurs. When friction occurs, electrons can transfer between the two items can be charged.
What are two examples of insulators and conductors?
Insulators: rubber, plastic, wood
Conductors: copper, aluminum
What are the definitions of an open circuit, closed circuit, and a short circuit?
Open circuit: when a switch is off/open, and there is no power going through the circuit
Close circuit: when I switch is on/closed, and there is power/electricity going to the circuit
Short circuit: when there is nothing for the battery/voltage to power, and the electricity goes straight through the circuit
Name two nonrenewable resources, and their advantage and disadvantages
- Coal, nuclear
- Cheap/affordable
- Bad for the environment
- Can run out if you use it to much
Name two renewable resources, and their advantage and disadvantages
- Solar, wind, water
- Expensive to invest in
- Better for the environment
- Won’t run out
How can choosing to use more efficient appliances benefit the environment?
- It uses less power, resulting in the use of less resources
