science (static electrcity) Flashcards
Describe how objects can become charged
Objects can become charged when electrons transfer from one object to another. This can happen through friction when two materials rub against each other, causing electrons to transfer from one material to the other. The material losing the electrons becomes positively charged, while the material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged.
Identify situations in which static electricity occurs
- when hair rubs against a brick wall
- when hair rubs against a ballon
- Describe situations in which static electricity is useful and situations in which it is a nuisance
Useful :
- when air purifiers use static electricity to attract and remove particles in the air
- when laser printers use static electricity attract particles to the paper
Nuisance :
- getting a electric shock from metal
- clothes sticking together
- Describe what happens when charges are brought close to each other
When like particles come close together, they repel ( for example when a positive charge comes close with another positive charge they repel) and when two opposite charge come close together they attract
Investigate everyday situations where the effects of electrostatic forces can be observed eg lightning strikes during a severe storm
For example, when a comb runs through your hair, the electrons transfer between the comb and your hair.
Another example is getting a electric shock when you touch metal
Define the terms ‘current’, ‘voltage’ and ‘resistance’
Current :refers to the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Electric current is the rate of flow of electric charge past a point in a circuit.
Voltage is the measure if the electrical energy that is carried by the charges in a circuit
Resistance is a measure of how much of a load ( e.g. globe, motor, resistor) restricts and reduces the flow of current
Identify the symbols for current, voltage and resistance and their units of measurement
CURRENT : I and amperes
VOLTAGE: V and volts
RESISTANCE: R and Ohm
Describe voltage, resistance and current using analogies
For example
Water Hose Analogy :
- the current is the flow of the water in the pipe
- the voltage is the measure of the electrical pressure carried by the charges in a circuit like the pressure of the water in the pipe
- the resistance is how much the water flow is reduced and restricted when the water goes through the narrower parts of the pipe
What is potential difference?
Potential difference, also known as voltage, refers to the difference in electric potential between two points. ( THE UNIT IS V - VOLTS)
What happens to the resistance according to the look of the wires?
The longer the wire the higher the resistance as Longer wires have more atoms, making it more likely for electrons to collide, which increases resistance. The thicker the wire the lower the resistance because the less likely for electrons to collide.
Outline how current and voltage can be measured in circuits
Current is measured using an ammeter connected in series with the circuit, providing a direct reading in amperes (A). Voltage is measured using a voltmeter connected in parallel
Describe the relationship between voltage, resistance and current in a simple circuit
- increasing the voltage will cause the current to increase, while increasing the resistance will cause the current to decrease ,
- If the resistance (R) is increased and the voltage (V) remains constant, the current (I) will decrease.
- Conversely, if the current (I) is to be increased while keeping the resistance (R) constant, the voltage (V) must be increased.
- This is proven by the ohms law which states V : I X R
- Compare the characteristics and applications of series and parallel circuits
- In a series circuit, the components are connected one after another in a row. As a result,the same current flows through each components, the voltage, however ,is shared between each of the components and if you connect more then 1 lightbulb they will glow dimmer but in parrell there will be no effect on the brightness beacuse the voltage stays teh same
- In a parallel circuit, the components are connected in separate brunches As a results ,the current is divided between each of the components, but each branch of a parallel circuit uses the full voltage provided by the power supply
Solve simple problems using Ohm’s Law, and define it.
OHMS LAW STATES THAT V = I X R ( VOLTAGE = RESISTANCE TIMES CURRENT)
AND THEN FOR R = V DIVIDED BY I
THEN FOR I = V/R
Compare AC and DC electricity
AC
- THE MAGNITUTE OF THE CURRENT CHANGES AS WELL AS THE DIRECTION CONTUNISLY
- AC IS PRODUCED IN POWER STATIONS
- AC CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO LONG DISTANCES
DC
- THE DIRECTION OF CURRENT REMAINS UNCHANGED
- AC IS PRODUCED BY CELLS AND BATTERIES
- DC CANNOT BE EASILY TRANSMITTED TO LONG DISTANCES