Unit C | Topic 1.1-1.4 | Electrical Principles and Technology Flashcards
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Definition of:
Electricity
The flow of Electrons
How is static electricity formed?
When friction causes displacement of electrons, creating a buildup of electrons in an object, this leaves two oppositely charged objects
When does a static discharge occur?
Static discharge occurs when an object with a negative charge is in close proximity with an object that has a positive charge
What are the three laws of electrical charges?
- Similar charges repel
- Opposite charges attract
- Neutral objects attract to charged objects
How does static discharge occur?
Electrons “jump” from a negatively charged object to a positively charged object to “balance out the charge”
How does a proton differ from an electron?
Protons:
- Positive
- Located in nucleus
- “Locked” in nucleus
Electrons:
- Negative
- Located in shells
- Free to jump to other atoms
How is electrical current produced?
Electrical current is produced as charges move in a continuous flow.
Definition of:
Amp (ampere)
The rate at which current flows.
Definition of:
Circuit
A path that controls the flow of electricity.
Definition of:
Load
A device that converts electrical energy to another from of energy.
(such as a light bulb)
Definition of:
Energy source
Source of electrical energy.
(such as a battery)
Definition of:
Conductor
A metal, liquid, or gas that creates a pathway for electricity to flow.
(such as copper or water)
Definition of:
Voltage
The pressure from an electrical circuits power source that pushes electrons through a conducting circuit.
(also known as “potential difference)
What is the difference between voltage and amperage?
Voltage is a reason for electrons to flow, and amperage is the result of electrons flowing.
Voltage = reason
Amperage = result
How is a short circuit caused?
An unintended pathway for electricity.
What is the third prong on some electrical plugs called?
The grounding wire
What is the purpose of a grounding wire?
Provides a route that excess charge can escape into the ground, preventing electrical shocks
Definition of:
electrochemical cell
A device that provides a steady current that is produced by a chemical reaction
what are the two main types of electrochemical cells? (batteries)
Wet and dry cells.
Definition of:
Electrolyte
A paste or liquid that conducts electricity.
Definition of:
Ion
An atom (or groups of atoms) that has become electrically charged through the loss or gain of electrons
Definition of:
Electrode
A metal that electrolytes react with.
Why are dry cells more common that wet cells?
- Portable
- Cheap
- Durable
- Light weight
How does a battery (dry cell) work?
- A chemical reaction strips electrons off atoms
- Electrons accumulate on the negative terminal (-)
- If a conductor is connected to the (-) and (+) terminals, electrons will start to flow
- At the positive terminal, electrons will flow into the carbon rod inside the battery
Why does a battery die?
The electrolytes can no longer produce a chemical reaction to sustain the flow of electrons.
How does a battery (wet cell) work?
- The electrolyte (most commonly a liquid) reacts with two metals
- One metal loses electrons and becomes positively charged
- The electrons transfer through the the electrolyte and latch onto the other metal, making it negatively charged
- When the circuit is complete, electrons will flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode
How can some batteries be recharged?
An electrical current applied to the battery forces the electrons “backwards” through the cell
Definition of:
Battery
A collection of electrochemical cells
Definition of:
Electrolysis
Breaking atoms apart in a compound by running an electrical current through it.
Definition of:
Anodizing
Aluminum is coated with aluminum oxide, which is much harder than regular aluminum.
Definition of:
Electrorefining
Impurities are removed from impure metals by putting the metal into an acid and running an electrical current through it
Definition of:
Electroplating
A thin layer of metal can be plated onto another cheaper metal using electricity
Definition of:
Lamp
Converts electricity to light
Definition of:
Switch
Opens/closes a circuit
Definition of:
Ammeter
A device that measures the current in a circuit
Definition of:
Voltmeter
A device that measures the voltage in a circuit
Definition of:
Rheostat
A variable resistor
Definition of:
Motor
Converts electricity into mechanical energy
Definition of:
Fuse
A device that melts if the current of an electrical circuit is too high
