P5 Electricity Flashcards
What is alternating current
An electric current in a circuit that repeatedly reverses its direction
What is direct current
An electric current in a circuit that is in one direction only
What is an earth wire
The wire in a mains cable used to connect the metal case of an appliance to earth
What is a fuse
A fuse contains a thin wire that melts and cuts the current off if too much current passes through it
What is a live wire
The mains wire that has a voltage that alternates in voltage
What is the alternating voltage of live wires in Europe
+325V and -325V
What is a neutral wire
The wire of a mains circuit that is earthed at the local substation, so its potential is close to zero
What is an oscilloscope
A device used to display the shape of an electrical wave
What is a plug
A plug has an insulated case and is used to connect the cable from an appliance to a socket
What is a step-down transformer
An electrical device used to step-down the size of an alternating potential difference
National grid => consumers
What is a step-up transformer
An electrical device used to step-up the size of an alternating potential difference
Power station => national grid
What produces direct current
Cells
Batteries
What produces alternating current
Generators
What uses direct current
Electronic circuits
What uses alternating current
Mains electricity
Motors