Energy Transfer in Electrical Systems

What is static electricity?

Static electricity = does not move.

What is current electricity?

Current electricity = does move.

What is the flow of current electricity?

Current electricity = continuous flow of electrons.

What is a coulomb (C)?

A group of electrons. Specifically, 1C = 6.25 quintillion electrons (6,250,000,000,000,000,000 electrons).

How many electrons are in 1 coulomb?

1C = 6,250,000,000,000,000,000 electrons.

What is the fun fact about coulombs?

1 coulomb equals 6.25 quintillion electrons.

What is needed for current to flow?

Power source, Closed circuit, Conducting materials

What is the positive terminal of a circuit called?

Anode (+)

What connects the anode to the device in a circuit?

Conducting wires

What is the component that performs work in a circuit?

Device

What is the negative terminal of a circuit called?

Cathode ()

What is the flow direction in a basic circuit?

Anode (+) → Conducting wires → Device → Cathode (-)

What is the function of a battery?

Provides a source of energy. Made of 2 or more cells.

What does a bulb provide?

Provides light.

What does an open switch do?

Stops the flow of electricity.

What does a close switch allow?

Allows electricity to flow.

What is the purpose of a resistor?

Slows the flow of current and produces heat.

What is a variable resistor?

Slows the flow of current and produces heat. We can change the resistance.

What does a wire provide?

Provides a conducting pathway for electricity.

What does an ammeter measure?

Measures the current (flow of electricity) in Amps.

What does a voltmeter measure?

Measures the electrical push on electrons in a circuit.

What are common materials used for conducting wires?

Copper, Aluminium, Gold

What is the function of conducting wires?

Allows electricity to flow.

What is a battery composed of?

2 or more cells.

What are some common shapes/sizes of batteries?

AAA, AA, C, D, 9V

What type of energy do batteries store?

Chemical potential energy.

What happens to chemical potential energy in a battery?

It is released as electrical energy when chemicals react.

What does it mean when a battery is ‘flat’?

It is drained of charge.

Can all batteries be recharged?

No, some must be disposed of safely.

What is the function of a switch?

Opens/closes circuits, Provides convenience & safety

What happens when a switch is open?

No current flows. Lightbulb off.

What happens when a switch is closed?

Current flows. Lightbulb glows.

What is a reason for an incomplete circuit?

Broken wire, Disconnected components, Faulty switch, Insufficient power supply

What happens when there is a broken wire in a circuit?

The circuit becomes incomplete, preventing current flow.

What can cause a disconnected component in a circuit?

Loose connections, Damaged connectors, Improper assembly

How can a faulty switch affect a circuit?

It can prevent the circuit from closing, stopping current flow.

What is the effect of an insufficient power supply on a circuit?

It can lead to inadequate voltage, causing the circuit to fail.

What do resistors do to the flow of current?

They resist or slow the flow of current

What does high resistance indicate about current strength?

Weak current.

What does low resistance indicate about current strength?

Strong current.

What do resistors convert electrical energy into?

They convert it into heat (and light).

Where are heating elements that are resistors commonly found?

In kettles, stoves, and geysers.

What do old filament lightbulbs generate when current flows through them?

They generate heat (and light).

What is the first effect of electrical current?

Heating effect

What is the second effect of electrical current?

Magnetic effect

What is the third effect of electrical current?

Chemical effect

What is the heating effect of resistors?

Resistors slow the flow of current, causing them to heat up.

Why do filament bulbs glow?

They convert electrical energy to heat and light.

What is nichrome used for?

Nichrome is used for heating elements because of its high melting point

What happens in a short circuit?

Electricity flows on a path of least resistance, creating a lot of heat.

What are fuses?

Wires that melt when circuits overheat to protect from heat damage.

How do fuses protect circuits?

They melt to prevent overheating and short circuits.

What creates a magnetic field?

Flowing electrons (current)

What is an electromagnet?

A temporary magnet made when current flows through a conductor.

What is the relationship between current and magnetic fields?

Flowing current creates a magnetic field.

What is the magnetic effect used in?

Speakers, Electric drills, Door bells

How can electromagnets be made stronger?

Increasing current (add more cells) Using iron (good) or steel (better) nails, Coiling the wire tighter

What does the right hand rule show?

The direction of the magnetic field

What is the chemical effect of current?

Current can decompose substances when passed through a solution (electrolysis).

What is an electrolyte?

An electrolyte is a solution decomposed by current (e.g., H2O & CuCl2).

What is the anode in electrolysis?

The anode is the positive terminal.

What is the cathode in electrolysis?

The cathode is the negative terminal.