Physical Science - Unit 7: Electricity

electroscope

device that detects the presence of a charge and involves two pieces of metal foil

static electricity

net accumulation of electrical charges on an object

measured in volts

potential difference/voltage

conductors

allow electrons to move through them freely

insulators

do not allow electrons to move through them freely

electric field

area that surrounds an electron and can exert force

transformer

A device that increases or decreases the voltage of alternating current

resistance

tendancy of a material to oppose the flow of electrons

DC

direct current, flows in only one direction through a wire, ex dry cell battery

AC

alternating current, reverses its direction in a regular pattern, ex wall outlet

dry cell battery

electron pump that has a potential difference between the positive and negative ends

type of cell found in your car

wet cell

circuit

closed path through which electrons can flow

current

measured in amps, flow of electrons through a wire or any conductor

electrical power

rate at which electrical energy is converted into another form of energy

electricity travels

out the positive and into the negative

What is Ohms law?

V=IR

Explain how a wall socket works using the terms electrical potential and voltage

There is an electrical difference between the two holes in the socket. The voltage moves from one hole, into the cord, and then into the hole with the lower voltage.

What is the average voltage in an American house?

120 volts

What is the average voltage in a European house?

240 volts

Like charges _____ and opposite charges ______

repel, attract

DC

direct current, flows in only one direction, ex dry cell

AC

alternating current, reverses direction, wall outlet

Name 5 mechanical sources of energy for a generator

fossil fuels, hydroelectric, wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal

If I am using power in an equation and it is in watts, do I need to change it to kilowatts?

no

If I am finding power in an equation and it is in watts, do I need to change it to kilowatts?

yes

What is a common, low resistance materical used in buildings and houses?

copper wire

What is the difference between a series and a parallel circuit?

Series is one current path, parallel has multiple

parallel circuit diagram

series circuit diagram

label battery, switch and light, current, positive and negative sides

how does an electric generator work?

A piece of wire is spun between two magnets by a mechanical source