What is current electricity? Flashcards
What is static electricity?
The build-up of charges on the surface of an object until the charge is discharged or released.
Static electricity doesn’t flow
What is current electricity?
The flow of electrons from one place to another on a pathway through a conductor. (like Cu)
What are the most common conductors used in current electricity?
- Copper
- Aluminum
What are materials that inhibit the movement of electrons called?
Insulators.
Electrons in insulators are more tightly around to atoms and are not free to move to other atoms
Name three common insulators used in current electricity.
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Glass
What is an electric circuit?
A path where electric charges move along through wires.
Which terminal do electrons get repelled from?
Negative terminal.
Which terminal are electrons attracted to?
Positive terminal.
According to the Law of Electric Charges, like charges ______ and unlike charges ______.
Repel; attract.
What are the four main parts of an electric circuit?
- Energy Source (Gives the circuit its energy (ie. Battery/cell)
- Conductor (is a device that allows electricity to pass through it. (eg. a wire)
- Load (is a device or appliance that used the energy (eg. a light bulb)
- Switch (A device that turns the flow of electrons in a circuit on or off)
What is the function of an energy source in a circuit?
Gives the circuit its energy.
What does a conductor do?
Allows electricity to pass through it.
What is a load in an electric circuit?
A device or appliance that uses the energy.
What is the purpose of a switch in a circuit?
Turns the flow of electrons in a circuit on or off.
Why do we use symbols in electrical diagrams?
Because circuits can be messy.
What symbol represents a battery in circuit diagrams?
A series of long and short lines.
How is the negative end of a battery represented in circuit diagrams?
By the shorter line.
Fill in the blank: Connecting wires in circuit diagrams are generally shown as ______.
Straight lines or 90º angles.
What is the symbol for a light bulb in electric symbols?
A circle with a filament or a specific shape indicating a bulb.
What is the purpose of an ammeter in a circuit?
Measures the current flowing through the circuit.
What does a voltmeter do?
Measures the voltage across two points in a circuit.
What does a resistor do in an electrical circuit?
Limits the flow of electric current.
What is a closed switch in a circuit diagram?
A switch that allows current to flow.
What is an open switch in a circuit diagram?
A switch that stops current from flowing.
