Unit C | Topic 1.1-1.4 | Electrical Principles and Technology Flashcards
Learn?
Definition of:
Electricity
The flow of Electrons
How is static electricity formed?
When friction causes displacement of electrons, creating a buildup of electrons in an object, this leaves two oppositely charged objects
When does a static discharge occur?
Static discharge occurs when an object with a negative charge is in close proximity with an object that has a positive charge
What are the three laws of electrical charges?
- Similar charges repel
- Opposite charges attract
- Neutral objects attract to charged objects
How does static discharge occur?
Electrons “jump” from a negatively charged object to a positively charged object to “balance out the charge”
How does a proton differ from an electron?
Protons:
- Positive
- Located in nucleus
- “Locked” in nucleus
Electrons:
- Negative
- Located in shells
- Free to jump to other atoms
How is electrical current produced?
Electrical current is produced as charges move in a continuous flow.
Definition of:
Amp (ampere)
The rate at which current flows.
Definition of:
Circuit
A path that controls the flow of electricity.
Definition of:
Load
A device that converts electrical energy to another from of energy.
(such as a light bulb)
Definition of:
Energy source
Source of electrical energy.
(such as a battery)
Definition of:
Conductor
A metal, liquid, or gas that creates a pathway for electricity to flow.
(such as copper or water)
Definition of:
Voltage
The pressure from an electrical circuits power source that pushes electrons through a conducting circuit.
(also known as “potential difference)
What is the difference between voltage and amperage?
Voltage is a reason for electrons to flow, and amperage is the result of electrons flowing.
Voltage = reason
Amperage = result
How is a short circuit caused?
An unintended pathway for electricity.
What is the third prong on some electrical plugs called?
The grounding wire
What is the purpose of a grounding wire?
Provides a route that excess charge can escape into the ground, preventing electrical shocks
Definition of:
electrochemical cell
A device that provides a steady current that is produced by a chemical reaction
what are the two main types of electrochemical cells? (batteries)
Wet and dry cells.
Definition of:
Electrolyte
A paste or liquid that conducts electricity.
Definition of:
Ion
An atom (or groups of atoms) that has become electrically charged through the loss or gain of electrons
Definition of:
Electrode
A metal that electrolytes react with.
Why are dry cells more common that wet cells?
- Portable
- Cheap
- Durable
- Light weight
How does a battery (dry cell) work?
- A chemical reaction strips electrons off atoms
- Electrons accumulate on the negative terminal (-)
- If a conductor is connected to the (-) and (+) terminals, electrons will start to flow
- At the positive terminal, electrons will flow into the carbon rod inside the battery
