Module 4 Flashcards
Define electric current
Rate of flow of charge
Why is charge quantized
It is always a multiple of e
Define electrolyte
Liquid that conducts electricty
How does a liquid conduct electricity
Ions
What charge is an anode
Positive
What charge is a cathode
Negative
Kirchoffs First law
For any point in an electrical circuit, the sum of the currents into that point is equal to the sum of the currents out of that point (conservation of charge)
Define conductor
High number density
10^28 (free electrosn per meter cubed)
Define insulator
Low number density
Define semi- conductor
Number density around 10^17
In order to carry the same current, the electrons must move faster so the material becomes hotter
What is v in I=Anev
Mean drift velocity
Define electromotive forcce (emf)
Describes work done on the charge carriers
Define potential difference
Work done by the charge carriers
Define thermionic emmision
The emmission of electrons through the action of heat
Define ohms law
For a metallic conductor kept at a constatnt temperature, the current in the wire is directly proportional to the p.d. accross its ends
What are the I - V characteristics of a resistor
Obeys ohms law (ohmic conductor)
the resistor behaves the sme regardless of polarity
What are the I - V characteristics of a filament lamp
Non-ohmic component
The resistance is not constant
Behaves the same regardless of polarity
What are the I - V characteristics of an LED
Non-ohmic component
The resistance is not constant
The diodes behaviour depends on the polarity
Resistance decreases at threshhold p.d. and light is emitted
Resistivity of conductors
10^8 ohmmmeters
Resisitivity of insulators
10^16 Ohmmeters
What is a negative temperature coefficient
Resistance drops as temperature increases (thermistor)