Unit 6: Current Electricity Flashcards
What is current Electricity?
current electricity is the steady flow of electric charge through conductors
What is an Electric Circuit?
An electric circuit is a closed path through which electricity flows.
What’s electrical energy
Electrical energy is the energy created by the movement of electric charges (electrons) through a conductor, like a wire. It powers things like lights, phones, and appliances.
What is the difference between AC and DC currents
The main difference between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) is the direction in which the electric charge flows
In short, AC switches direction regularly, while DC flows steadily in one direction.
What is AC currents
AC (Alternating Current): The electric charge changes direction periodically. In most homes and businesses, electricity is delivered as AC, which means the flow of current alternates back and forth.
What is DC currents
DC (Direct Current): The electric charge flows in only one direction. Batteries and some electronic devices use DC power.
What are the 3 basic parts of a simple current
Power Source (e.g., battery or power supply) – Provides the electrical energy.
Conductor (e.g., wire) – Allows the electric current to flow.
Load (e.g., light bulb or motor) – Uses the electrical energy to perform work, like lighting up or turning.
What are the the 3 parts of a current important for
The three parts are connected to form a complete circuit, enabling electricity to flow and power devices
What is the difference of a series and Parallel circuit
Series: Components share a single path for current.
Parallel: Components have multiple paths for current.
What is a series circuit
Series Circuit: In a series circuit, all components are connected end-to-end in a single path. The current flows through each component one after the other. If one component fails (e.g., a bulb burns out), the entire circuit is broken, and all devices stop working.
What is a parallel circuit
Parallel Circuit: In a parallel circuit, the components are connected across common points, creating multiple paths for the current to flow. If one component fails, the others continue to work because the current can flow through the remaining paths.
What is an electric cell
An electric cell is a device that stores and provides electrical energy. It has two terminals: a positive (+) and a negative (-) end. It provides electrical energy (e.g., a single AA or 9V cell).
When connected to a circuit, the cell releases energy in the form of electrical current, which powers devices like flashlights or clocks. It works by a chemical reaction that produces electricity.
What is a battery
A battery is a collection of two or more electric cells connected together to provide more power or a longer-lasting charge. It stores electrical energy and releases it when needed to power devices like phones, flashlights, or toys. Each cell in a battery has a positive and a negative terminal, and the chemical reaction inside produces electricity.
What is the difference between an electric cell and a battery
An electric cell is a single power source, while a battery is made up of multiple cells working together.
What is a primary cell
A primary cell is a type of battery that cannot be recharged once it runs out of power. Once the energy inside is used up, you have to replace it. Examples include regular AA or AAA batteries.
What is a secondary cell
A secondary cell, on the other hand, is a rechargeable battery. You can use it multiple times by recharging it when it runs low. Examples include the batteries in smartphones or electric cars.
What is the difference between a primary cell and a secondary cell
primary cells are for one-time use, while secondary cells can be recharged and used many times.
What’s the point of a circuit breaker
A circuit breaker is a safety device that stops the flow of electricity if there is too much current. This helps prevent damage to the wires or appliances and reduces the risk of fires. Once the problem is fixed, the circuit breaker can be turned back on.
Why are short curcuits dangerous
A short circuit is dangerous because it allows electricity to flow through an unintended path with very little resistance. This causes a large amount of current to flow quickly, which can overheat wires, damage electrical components, and potentially start a fire. The sudden surge of electricity can also damage devices or cause electric shocks.
What is the term used to describe the right slot of a wall outlet
The term used to describe the right slot of a standard wall outlet is the “live” or “hot” slot. This is where the electrical current flows into the device plugged in.
What is the term used to describe the left slot of a wall outlet
The term used to describe the left slot of a standard wall outlet is the “neutral” slot. This is where the electrical current returns after flowing through the device.
What is the middle, round opening of a wall outlet
The rounded opening of a wall outlet is called the “ground” slot. It provides a safe path for electricity to flow into the ground in case of a fault or short circuit, helping to prevent electric shocks or damage.
What direction does the electricity flow from the outlet
Electricity flows out of the “hot” (or live) slot of the outlet, into the connected device, and then returns through the “neutral” slot back to the power source.
The flow follows this path: from the outlet to the device, and then back to complete the circuit.
What is the purpose of the ground slot of a wall outlet
The ground slot in an outlet is used for safety. It provides a path for electrical current to flow into the ground if there is a fault, like a short circuit or exposed wire.
This helps prevent electric shocks or fire hazards by directing excess electricity safely away from the device and the user.
