Generating and Using Electricity Flashcards
There are two forms of generating current electricity:
_____________is where electrons flow in one direction through a circuit
Produced by batteries
_____________is where electrons flow in alternating directions through a circuit
Produced by electric generating stations
Direct current
Alternating current
Electrical energy is generated from ___________
mechanical energy
_____________change the size of potential difference of alternating current being transmitted from generating stations to homes
Transformers
Three wires go from the transformer to homes - two ______ “live” wires (carrying current electricity) and one _____ wire (neutral and not insulated)
A:insulated. B: Ground
What is a circuit breaker?
Limits the amount of current to a set value; prevents overheating in wires and possible resulting fires
What is a fuse?
Limits the amount of current to a set value; prevents overheating in wires and possible resulting fires
What is a Ground fault circuit interrupter
Replaces wall outlet when it is within 2m of water source
What is a wall outlet and plug?
Prevents shock resulting from faulty appliances
What is a surge protector?
Prevents damage to circuits in electronic devices during power surges caused. by lightning
What is a power bar with switch?
Allows all appliances connected to the power bar to be turned off with one switch
What is a non-renewable energy source? What is an example of some?
Source of energy that cannot be replaced as quickly as it is used
Fossil fuels
Coal
Oil
Natural gas
Nuclear
What is a renewable energy source? What is an example of some?
Source of energy that can be replaced (almost) as quickly as it is used
Hydroelectric
Tidal
Wind
Solar
Biomass (does not include fossil fuels)
Is biomass really “renewable”?
Geothermal
What unit of measurement is used to the rate that electricity is used?
Measured in watts (units is W)
1 W = 1 J/s
A watt is relatively small compared to energy usage in the home
Phantom loads can increase a devices energy use without increasing its usefulness
A phantom load is electricity used by a device when it is off
The cost of electricity is also influenced by the time of day when electricity is used
On-peak hours
Mid-peak hours
Off-peak hours
There are two labels commonly used to communicate the efficiency of different devices:
EnerGuide
Energy Star
During on-peak hours, the cost of electricity ______
During off-peak hours, the cost of electricity ______
increases
decreases
