Foundation: P2 - Electricity Flashcards
Define a component
Component: something in an electrical circuit (like a bulb, or cell)
Define charge
Charge: a property of particles. Something can have positive or negative charge.
Define current
Current: current is how much charge (electrons) flows per second
Define potential difference
Potential difference: potential difference is the energy transferred to or from the charges (electrons) as they pass through a component
Define resistance
Resistance: resistance is the amount that the component resists the flow of charge
State what we mean by components in series
Series: components are in series if electrons travel through both of them
State what we mean by components in parallel
Parallel: components are in parallel if electrons travel through either one or the other
Define power
Power: power is how much energy is transferred or work is done per second
Describe the national grid
National grid: the national grid is a system of cables and transformers linking power stations to consumers (like houses and businesses)
State the charge of an electron
Electrons have a negative charge.
State the equation that links potential difference, current and resistance.
Potential difference = Current x Resistance
State the colour and function of the live wire.
The live wire is brown and carries the alternating potential difference from the power supply.
State the colour and function of the neutral wire.
The neutral wire is blue and completes the circuit.
State the colour and function of the earth wire.
The earth wire is green and is included as a safety feature.
Explain why a step up transformer increases the potential difference.
A step up transformer increases the potential difference to increase efficiency and reduce energy lost through heating effects.
