energy transfer in electrical sysytems Flashcards
what are electrical circuits?
pathways for electric current/charge to flow through
what is an electrical current?
flow of electric charge through a conductor
what is an electrical circuit
a continuosly conducting path along which electric current can flow
name the basic components of a circuit
conducting wire
switch
cell/battery
resistor
what is the function of a conductor?
material for electrons to flow through
made of good conductors such as metal
carry electricity over short or long distances
what is the function of a switch?
breaks the flow of electric charge in the conductors
when open, circuit = broken, no current will flow through
when closed, circuit = complete, current will flow through
convenient way of controlling electricala flow in currents
what is the function of a resistor
oppose the flow of current
copper wire offer some resistance and become hot when charge flows through them
resistors affect amount of current in a circuit
give an example of a resistor
lightbulb:
contains resisted wire called a filament (tungsten)
filament resists flow of charge
filament heats up to be white hot, gives of light and heat
resistant wire connected to :
- metal casing of bulb
- solder knob
name the effects of an electric current
a. heating effect
b. chemical effect
c. magnetic effect
what is an electromagnet?
a current carrying conductor that produces a magnetic field and can be used as a temporary magnet
what is an electromagnet made up of?
a solenoid with a core of magnetic material such as soft iron
forms temporary magnet that can be switched on/off by switching current off/on
what is electrolysis?
when an electric current is used to break a chemical substance down into its composite elements
what is an electrolyte?
a solution containing free electrons or fluid that a current can pass
what is an electrode?
small rods connected to a battery or sell
what is an anode
the positive terminal
