Basics of Electricity
What are the 3 main parts of an atom?
Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons
What causes particles to attract or repel each other?
Which ones attract and which ones repel?
Their electrical charge (opposite charges attract, same charges repel).
What does it mean to generate electricity?
Making electricity by converting mechanical energy.
What is a conductor? Give an example.
A material that allows electricity to flow easily, like copper.
Why is current electricity dangerous to the human body?
Because the body is a good conductor due to high water content.
What charge do electrons have?
Negative
Why do we need to have a closed circuit for electricity to flow?
We need a closed circuit so that the electricity has a complete path to flow through.
What device is spun by water or wind to generate electricity?
A turbine
What is an insulator? Give an example.
A material that does not carry electricity, like rubber or plastic.
Name two problems that can happen if electricity flows through your body.
Muscles tightening, heartbeat interruption, burns, lung constriction.
What is current electricity?
The flow of electrons through a conductive material like a wire.
What causes static electricity to build up on a balloon when rubbed on hair?
Electrons move from hair to the balloon, creating extra negative charge.
What percentage of Canada’s electricity comes from hydroelectric power?
59%
What is the purpose of a resistor in a circuit?
To limit the electrical current and control voltage.
List three safety tips to avoid electrical hazards.
Don’t overload outlets, keep cords away from pets and children, don’t fly kites near power lines.
What is the difference between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)?
DC flows in one direction, AC flows back and forth.
What happens when you get a static shock?
Electrical charges jump between objects and can cause pain or tingling.
Name two renewable and two non-renewable energy sources.
Renewable – solar, wind, water, geothermal, biomass; Non-renewable – coal, natural gas, petroleum, uranium.
What is the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?
Series has one path for current; parallel has multiple paths.
How does a circuit breaker keep your home safe?
A circuit breaker keeps your home safe by turning off the electricity when there is too much current flowing through the wires.
What happens when you turn off a light switch in a circuit?
It opens the circuit, stopping the flow of electrons.
Why can static electricity be dangerous?
It can cause sparks like lightning, and shocks that may cause burns or heart problems.
Why are solar and wind energy considered inefficient sources?
Because the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow.
What is a short circuit and why is it dangerous?
A short circuit happens when electricity takes a shortcut and skips the part it’s supposed to power. This can make the wires get really hot and might cause a fire.
How can a short circuit cause a fire?
A short circuit can cause a fire because it lets electricity flow where it shouldn’t, making the wires get very hot. When the wires get too hot, they can start a fire.