Physics Flashcards
Explain a circuit breaker
When too much electricity flows through a circuit — like when you plug in too many things — it can get too hot and dangerous. A circuit breaker notices this and automatically shuts off the power to stop things from overheating or causing a fire. (Opens the circuit)
What is the analogy between water and electricity
Water falling is like voltage, water and electricity are similar in flow of neutrons?
Difference between series and parallel circuit
🔗 Series Circuit
-One path for current.
-Same current flows through all parts.
-Voltage is shared between components.
-If one part stops working, all stop.
🧩 Parallel Circuit
-Many paths for current.
-Current is split between paths.
-Voltage is the same across each path.
-If one part stops working, others keep working.
What are renewable and non renewable resources
🌱 Renewable Resources
Can be replaced naturally in a short time.
- Won’t run out (if used wisely).
- Better for the environment.
Examples:
- Sunlight
- Wind
- Water (hydropower)
- Trees (if replanted)
- Biomass
🛢️ Non-Renewable Resources
Take millions of years to form.
- Can run out if overused.
- Often cause more pollution.
Examples:
- Coal
- Oil
- Natural gas
- Minerals like gold or iron
What influences resistance?
- Shorter wires have less resistance
- wider diameter wires has less resistance
What is the purpose of a commutator?
Spins alongside the armature, has two different rings and helps to switch polarity like how you would do with wires manually, but on its own
What is the purpose of an armature?
Metal loop, wire connect to it so it can carry the current through and spins.
What is the purpose of brushes?
wires connect to brushes, brushes touch commutator rings, and switch from one commutator ring to another an allows to switch polarity
What is the purpose of a Stator?
Curved, magnets that are on each side of the armature to spin it.
How does a fuse work?
Too much current? → Fuse melts → Circuit stops → Safe!
It helps prevent fires or damage to devices.
In static electricity, do the charges move?
No (Charges in current electricity move ; causes painful shocks unlike static)
How do protons and electrons get transferred in a solid?
Protons cannot be easily transferred from one object to another while neutrons can
Explain insulators
Substances in which electrons can not move easily
Explain conductors
Substances in which electrons can move easily are called conductors (somewhat easily are semiconductors)
Which type of substance do we use to protect us from electric shocks?
insulators
Which type of substance do we use to transport electric charges?
conductors
Which type of substance can build up large static charges?
Insulators
Explain Lightning
Air masses rub together and make static electricity build up within the cloud, a positive charge builds in the upper part and a large negative charge builds in the lower portion. When the difference between them becomes great, the electrical charge jumps from one to another, creating a lightning bolt. (Bolts that strike the ground occur when positive charges build up on the ground. A negative charge called the leader flows from the cloud towards the ground, then a positively charged leader, called the return stroke leaves the ground and runs into the cloud.)
How does charge separation occur within a cloud?
When electrons cannot flow and build up in one area until they are able to jump to oppositely charged area.
Why are lightning rods beneficial?
It attracts lightning because it’s made of metal.
The lightning travels safely through the rod and down a wire.
The electricity goes into the ground, not the building.
This protects the building from catching fire or getting damaged.
What are two ways to charge an object?
Charge by friction or conduction
What is a circuit?
A pathway for electrons to move
What is potential difference
Difference in charges that have ability to move
Conventional current
Charges are moving from + to -
