Electricity and Circuits

Protons

Positively charged particles in atoms.

Electrons

Negative charged particles in atoms.

Static Electricity

A stationary electric charge that resulting in an imbalance of electric charge.

Insulators

Objects that don’t let electrons move.

ex. air, rubber, space

Conductors

Objects that let electrons flow through.

ex. copper, gold, supper cold metal

Negative Electric Charges

They have more electrons than protons.

Positive Electric Charges

They have more protons than electrons.

Neutral Electric Charges

They have an equal number of protons and electrons.

Friction

Transferring charge through rubbing material together.

Conduction

Transferring charge through direct contact between materials.

Induction

Transferring charge without direct contact, often involving electromagnetic fields.

Electrostatic Attractiction

A force that brings un-like charges together.

ex. cleaners

Static Repulsion

A force that brings like charges together.

ex. rubbing a balloon on hair

Charge Separation

Creating an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material.

Van De Graaff Generator

A device that uses a moving belt to accumulate electric charge on a metal globe, generating high voltages.

Electric Discharge

The release of accumulated electric charge, often producing lightning.

Grounding

Connecting an object to the Earth with a conducting wire.

Ionization

The process by which an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron, resulting in the formation of ions.

Static Electricity

Charges are stationary.

Current Electricity

Continuous flow around a circuit.

Conductors

Materials that allow electric charges to flow easily.

ex. copper, gold, nickel

Insulators

Materials that do not allow charges to move.

ex. rubber, paper

Circuits

A path that controls the flow of Electricity.

Voltage

The increase or decrease in the amount of electrical energy carried by electrons.

Current

The number of electrons that pass a point per second.

Resistance

The property of a substance that hinders motion of electric charge.

Ohm’s Law

R = V / I

Series Circuit

A single loop for electrons to travel through, the current is the same, and the voltage is shared.

Parallel Circuit

Has two or more paths for electrons to follow, the current is shared, and the voltage is same.

Energy

The ability to do work.

Kinetic Energy

The movement of energy.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Electrochemical Cell

Generating voltage by using two different metals in a salt or acid solution. Converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

Wet Cell

Uses a liquid electrolyte

ex. car battery

Dry Cell

A paste or plastic electrolyte.

ex. 9V battery

Primary Cell

Can not be recharged

Secondary Cell

Can be recharged

Electromagnetism

Interaction between electric charges and magnetic fields.

Electromagnets

Have an iron core with wires wrapped around it that is connected to a battery.

AC Generators

Converts mechanical energy into alternating current electricity. Using a coil of wire rotates in a electromagnetic.

DC Generators

Turns motion into direct current electricity. A spinning wire coil in a magnetic field, with a commutator, keeps the current flowing one way.

What is the formula for power?

Power (P) = Current (I) × Voltage (V)

How is efficiency calculated?

Efficiency (%) = (Energy out / Energy in) × 100

Alternative energy sources

Solar, Wind, Geothermal.

What do transformers do?

Step-up transformers increase voltage, and step-down transformers decrease voltage.

What is the function of circuit breakers and fuses?

They protect circuits by cutting off electricity when current gets too high.

What are the three types of wires in home electrical cables?

Hot wire (black) Neutral wire (white) Ground wire (green or bare metal)

What are some environmental concerns with electricity production?

Burning fossil fuels releases CO2, nuclear waste is difficult to store, and hydroelectric dams can flood land.

What are two ways to reduce electricity consumption at home?

Use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights and devices when not in use.