Unit C | Topic 1.1-1.4 | Electrical Principles and Technology

Question 1

Definition of:
Electricity

Answer 1

The flow of Electrons

Question 2

How is static electricity formed?

Answer 2

When friction causes displacement of electrons, creating a buildup of electrons in an object, this leaves two oppositely charged objects

Question 3

When does a static discharge occur?

Answer 3

Static discharge occurs when an object with a negative charge is in close proximity with an object that has a positive charge

Question 4

What are the three laws of electrical charges?

Answer 4

1. Similar charges repel
2. Opposite charges attract
3. Neutral objects attract to charged objects

Question 5

How does static discharge occur?

Answer 5

Electrons “jump” from a negatively charged object to a positively charged object to “balance out the charge”

Question 6

How does a proton differ from an electron?

Answer 6

Protons:
- Positive
- Located in nucleus
- “Locked” in nucleus
Electrons:
- Negative
- Located in shells
- Free to jump to other atoms

Question 7

How is electrical current produced?

Answer 7

Electrical current is produced as charges move in a continuous flow.

Question 8

Definition of:
Amp (ampere)

Answer 8

The rate at which current flows.

Question 9

Definition of:
Circuit

Answer 9

A path that controls the flow of electricity.

Question 10

Definition of:
Load

Answer 10

A device that converts electrical energy to another from of energy.
(such as a light bulb)

Question 11

Definition of:
Energy source

Answer 11

Source of electrical energy.
(such as a battery)

Question 12

Definition of:
Conductor

Answer 12

A metal, liquid, or gas that creates a pathway for electricity to flow.
(such as copper or water)

Question 13

Definition of:
Voltage

Answer 13

The pressure from an electrical circuits power source that pushes electrons through a conducting circuit.
(also known as “potential difference)

Question 14

What is the difference between voltage and amperage?

Answer 14

Voltage is a reason for electrons to flow, and amperage is the result of electrons flowing.
Voltage = reason
Amperage = result

Question 15

How is a short circuit caused?

Answer 15

An unintended pathway for electricity.

Question 16

What is the third prong on some electrical plugs called?

Answer 16

The grounding wire

Question 17

What is the purpose of a grounding wire?

Answer 17

Provides a route that excess charge can escape into the ground, preventing electrical shocks

Question 18

Definition of:
electrochemical cell

Answer 18

A device that provides a steady current that is produced by a chemical reaction

Question 19

what are the two main types of electrochemical cells? (batteries)

Answer 19

Wet and dry cells.

Question 20

Definition of:
Electrolyte

Answer 20

A paste or liquid that conducts electricity.

Question 21

Definition of:
Ion

Answer 21

An atom (or groups of atoms) that has become electrically charged through the loss or gain of electrons

Question 22

Definition of:
Electrode

Answer 22

A metal that electrolytes react with.

Question 23

Why are dry cells more common that wet cells?

Answer 23

• Portable
• Cheap
• Durable
• Light weight

Question 24

How does a battery (dry cell) work?

Answer 24

1. A chemical reaction strips electrons off atoms
2. Electrons accumulate on the negative terminal (-)
3. If a conductor is connected to the (-) and (+) terminals, electrons will start to flow
4. At the positive terminal, electrons will flow into the carbon rod inside the battery

Question 25

Why does a battery die?

Answer 25

The electrolytes can no longer produce a chemical reaction to sustain the flow of electrons.

Question 26

How does a battery (wet cell) work?

Answer 26

1. The electrolyte (most commonly a liquid) reacts with two metals
2. One metal loses electrons and becomes positively charged
3. The electrons transfer through the the electrolyte and latch onto the other metal, making it negatively charged
4. When the circuit is complete, electrons will flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode

Question 27

How can some batteries be recharged?

Answer 27

An electrical current applied to the battery forces the electrons “backwards” through the cell

Question 28

Definition of:
Battery

Answer 28

A collection of electrochemical cells

Question 29

Definition of:
Electrolysis

Answer 29

Breaking atoms apart in a compound by running an electrical current through it.

Question 30

Definition of:
Anodizing

Answer 30

Aluminum is coated with aluminum oxide, which is much harder than regular aluminum.

Question 31

Definition of:
Electrorefining

Answer 31

Impurities are removed from impure metals by putting the metal into an acid and running an electrical current through it

Question 32

Definition of:
Electroplating

Answer 32

A thin layer of metal can be plated onto another cheaper metal using electricity

Question 33

Definition of:
Lamp

Answer 33

Converts electricity to light

Question 34

Definition of:
Switch

Answer 34

Opens/closes a circuit

Question 35

Definition of:
Ammeter

Answer 35

A device that measures the current in a circuit

Question 36

Definition of:
Voltmeter

Answer 36

A device that measures the voltage in a circuit

Question 37

Definition of:
Rheostat

Answer 37

A variable resistor

Question 38

Definition of:
Motor

Answer 38

Converts electricity into mechanical energy

Question 39

Definition of:
Fuse

Answer 39

A device that melts if the current of an electrical circuit is too high