Overall electricity Flashcards
What are the 3 laws of electric charges?
- Like charges REPEL
- Unlike charges ATTRACT
- Uncharged objects are ATTRACTED to either positively or negatively charged objects
What’s a conductor?
The materials in which electrons can move easily between atoms.
What is the point of a conductor?
It allows to transmit electricity from one place to another so that the electric current flows through it easily
Example of conductors used in wires
Copper and Aluminum
Example of a conductor used in switches
Mercury
What is an insulator?
Materials in which electrons CANNOT move easily from one atom to another
What is the point of an insulator?
It is used to protect people and equipment from electric shock as it prevents the electricity from leaving power lines
Examples of insulators
Wood, rubber, and plastic are used as coverings and connecters for wires
What are the 4 parts all circuits have?
- Energy Source (batteries/cells)
- Electric Load (light bulbs)
- Switch (electrons flow - circular path)
- Wires (everything is connected)
What is grounding?
The process of directing excess electricity to the ground via a wire that prevents electrical shocks.
Which path will electric charges take?
The path of LEAST RESISTANCE to ground itself.
Why do electric charges take that path?
It requires less energy for them to flow through a material with low resistance.
What are parallel circuits?
A circuit in which the loads are connected on MULTIPLE, independent pathways.
What are series circuits?
A circuit in which loads are connected onto ONE, single pathway.
Which circuit uses less energy?
Parallel Circuits
