Mains electricity Flashcards

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1
Q

direct current

A

an electric current that always flows in one direction e.g. electronic circuits in computers and stereos

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2
Q

alternating current

A

an electric current that is constantly changing direction, it’s produced by most generators and is used in mains electricity e.g. motors

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3
Q

what are the different parts of a plug and their colours?

A

-earth wire (green/yellow)
-live wire (brown)
-neutral wire (blue)
-fuse
-cable grip
-outer insulation

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4
Q

what’s the function of a live wire?

A

carries p.d. from the supply and is connected to the fuse

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5
Q

what’s the function of the neutral wire?

A

completes the circuit

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6
Q

what’s the function of the earth wire?

A

the safety wire (stops the appliance becoming live)

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7
Q

how do fuses work?

A

-a fuse contains a thin wire, which melts if the current is too high
-this breaks the circuit and so electricity is unable to flow through the appliance
-the appliance stops working and any danger has been averted
-fuses act as an early warning system, preventing appliances from being damaged by surges in electricity and warning owners of faults

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8
Q

what is the average voltage of the mains supply in the UK?

A

230 volts

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9
Q

what is the mains frequency?

A

50 Hertz

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10
Q

describe the oscilloscope trace for direct current

A

a raised line that flows in one direction

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11
Q

describe the oscilloscope trace for an alternating current

A

a wavy line that changes direction back and forth

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