Electricity

Question 1

Properties of a series circuit

Answer 1

Single loop

Whole circuit stops working if one component is taken out

PD of battery shared across all components

Current is the same everywhere in the circuit

Voltmeter is connected in parallel (extra wire around the component outside of it)

Question 2

Properties of a parallel circuit

Answer 2

More than one loop

Circuit stays working if one component fails or is taken out

PD is equal across all components

Current shared between all loops

Question 3

Step Up Transformers…

Answer 3

Increase voltage

Question 4

Step Down Transformers…

Answer 4

Decrease voltage to around 230V

Question 5

Mains supply is…

Answer 5

50Hz
230V

Question 6

Function of live wire and colour?

Answer 6

Brown

Carries mains voltage from power supply to appliance. Source of electrical energy

Question 7

Function of neutral wire and colour?

Answer 7

Blue

Completes circuit by providing a return path for current to flow back to power supply. Usually at 0V.

Question 8

Function of earth wire and colour?

Answer 8

Green and yellow

Safety feature. Provides a low resistance path for current to flow to ground if there is a fault, such as live wire touching the metal casing of an appliance.

Prevents electric shock and can cause fuse to blow

Question 9

Function of fuse?

Answer 9

Safety device that contains a thin wire that melts and breaks circuit if current becomes too high.

Prevents overheating and fire.