General Flashcards
Define an electric circuit and list its essential components.
An electric circuit is a closed path through which an electric current flows. Essential components include a power source, conductors, load.
State Ohm’s Law and its mathematical equation
Ohm’s Law states that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, given constant temperature. Mathematically, V=IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.
Explain the difference between series and parallel circuits.
In a series circuit, components are connected in a single path, and the same current flows through each component. In a parallel circuit, components are connected across multiple paths, and the voltage across each component is the same.
What units are used to measure voltage, current, and resistance?
Voltage is measured in volts (V), current in amperes (A), and resistance in ohms (Ω).
How is power calculated in an electric circuit?
Power (P) is calculated using P=IV, where P is power in watts (W), I is current in amperes (A), and V is voltage in volts (V)
Name two safety measures used in electrical circuits and explain their functions.
Two safety measures are fuses and circuit breakers. Fuses break the circuit if the current exceeds a safe limit, while circuit breakers automatically switch off in case of overcurrent to prevent damage or hazards.
What is the difference between instantaneous and average velocity?
Average velocity is the total displacement of an object over a given time interval, divided by the total time taken. Instantaneous velocity, on the other hand, is the velocity of an object at a specific instant or moment in time.
How does an increase in voltage affect energy consumption in an electrical device?
An increase in voltage leads to an increase in power consumption in an electrical device, as power is directly proportional to voltage when resistance is constant ( P=VI ).
List and define the three primary states of matter.
The three primary states of matter are:
Solid: Definite shape and volume, particles tightly packed.
Liquid: Definite volume but takes the shape of its container, particles less tightly packed than solids.
Gas: Neither definite shape nor volume, fills the container completely, particles widely spaced.
Explain the processes involved in changing states of matter
Changes of state involve adding or removing energy (heat):
Melting: Solid to liquid (add heat).
Freezing: Liquid to solid (remove heat).
Vaporization: Liquid to gas (add heat).
Condensation: Gas to liquid (remove heat).
Sublimation: Solid to gas or vice versa without passing through the liquid state.
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
Transverse Waves: Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation (e.g., light waves).
Longitudinal Waves: Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation (e.g., sound waves).
Explain the phenomena of diffraction in waves.
Diffraction: Bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
Define the formula for calculating wave speed
v = fλ
List examples of electromagnetic waves and their uses.
Electromagnetic waves include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. They are used in communication, medicine, and various technologies.
List and describe the three primary types of radiation.
Alpha (α) Radiation: Consists of helium nuclei (2 protons, 2 neutrons), low penetration, stopped by paper or skin.
Beta (β) Radiation: High-speed electrons or positrons, moderate penetration, stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum.
Gamma (γ) Radiation: High-energy electromagnetic waves, high penetration, requires thick lead or concrete to attenuate.
