Physics: Characteristics and Applications of Electricity

Vocabulary and concepts covering industrial and residential electricity, including circuit types, efficiency calculations, power formulas, and utility pricing schedules.

Series Circuit

A type of electrical circuit where components are arranged in a single path so that the current passes through each component in sequence.

Parallel Circuit

A type of electrical circuit where components are arranged in branches, providing multiple paths for the current to flow.

Direction of Electric Current

Electrons leave the negative terminal of the battery and move toward the positive terminal.

Electrical Efficiency

The measure of the quantity of electricity produced compared to the quantity of energy consumed, calculated as $\text{Energy restituted} / \text{Energy consumed}$.

Electrical Power ($P$)

The work an electrical device can provide per second, or the amount of energy a device can transform over a period of time, measured in watts ($W$).

Watt ($W$)

The standard unit of measurement for electrical power.

Kilowatt ($kW$)

A unit of power equivalent to $1000\,W$.

Power Formula

The formula used to calculate electrical power: $P = V \times I$, where $V$ is voltage and $I$ is current intensity.

Electrical Energy ($E$)

The energy provided in the form of electric current, measured in kilowatt-hours ($kWh$) and calculated using $E = P \times \Delta t$.

Kilowatt-hour ($kWh$)

The unit of measurement used for electrical energy supplies.

Cost of Electricity ($C$)

The amount billed for electricity, calculated as $C = E \times \text{price}$, where price is the rate per $kWh$ (\text{\textcent/kWh} or $\$/kWh$).

Off-peak Period (Priode creuse)

A period in the winter and summer pricing schedule where electricity costs 8.7\,\text{\textcent/kWh}.

Mid-peak Period (Priode mdiane)

A period in the winter and summer pricing schedule where electricity costs 12.2\,\text{\textcent/kWh}.

Peak Period (Priode de pointe)

A period in the winter and summer pricing schedule where electricity costs 18.2\,\text{\textcent/kWh}.

Factors Affecting Resistance

The four variables that can be modified to reduce the resistance of an electric wire: length, thickness, material, and temperature.