Current Electricity
What is the difference between current & static electricity?
Static electricity follows an unorganized path & it's electrons do not flow continously. Whilst Current electricity follows an organized/direct path with electrons that flow continously.
When electrons first leave an object and then return, What are it's potential energy at both points?
Leave - High Potential Energy
Return - Low Potential Energy
What is the difference between circuit breakers & fuses?
Circuit Breakers - Circuit Breakers break circuits if there's too much current to prevent overflow but can be reset by flipping a switch.
Fuses - Fuses cannot be reused and only REPLACED even tho they share the same purpose.
T or F
If more loads were added to a Parellel Circuit, would the current increase?
Yes, if there were more loads than the circuit would require faster current in order for the electrons to get to them.
T or F?
If we added more loads to a series circuit, would the current incraese?
No, the current would not increase but DECREASE because the loads represent resistors that would restrict the flow of electrons since they're in the way of loads.
What are the 4 components that make up a circuit?
1. Power Source (Battery)
2. Load
3. Switch
4. Connecting wires
What Potential Difference vs Potential Energy?
Potential Difference - Potential Difference is the difference in energy measured at 2 points.
Potential Energy - Potential Energy is the possible amount of energy that could be released.
What circuit follows one pathway, with constant current & split voltage?
Series Circuit
Where are Ammeters vs Voltmeters placed on a diagram?
Voltmeters are placed parallel to the cell or (visually) on top. Where Ammeters are place to the side of batteries.
T or F
In a parallel circuit, will the voltage across each load be equal to the voltage of the source?
Yes, the voltage will remain the same since voltage is absolute in parallel circuits.
How much do generating systems vs batteries supply in energy?
Batteries supply small amounts of energy and are suitable for portable devices. Whilst generators supply large amounts of energy and are suitable for larger/bulker items.
'What' must be connected parallel in a circuit?
Voltmeter - A Voltmeter must be connected PARALLEL/side by side in a circuit in order to accurately compare 2 points at an even distance.
What circuit follows multiple pathways, shares voltage & splits current?
Parallel Circuit
What is another analogy for electron flow?
River - Hose = Conductor
- Water = Current
- Water Molecules = Electrons
- Litres = Columbs
What are the 2 types of Cells/Batteries & their differences?
1. Primary Cell - Primary cells can only be used once and have a shelf life of 5 years.
2. Secondary Cell -Secondary Cells can be recharged and have a shelf of 6 months.
What the 4 factors that affect resistance?
1. Cross Sectional Area - Thin wires cause more resistance since there's less room for the electrons to move.
2. Temperature - Hot wires cause more resistance because when particles are warmed up, they gain energy & collide w each other.
3. Length - Longer wires cause more resistance since there is a farther distance for electrons to travel.
4. Materials - Insulator vs Conductor
What is an object that uses Alternating Current?
Lights, Outlets, Dryers - Anything with a stop switch, that causes the flow of electrons to alternate
What else does Voltage Do?
Voltage is the the push or force that current needs to actually move. - It gives current the energy to flow. So less voltage = less current/ slower current.
What are the units used to measure:
1.Electrical Power
2. Energy
3. Electric Current
4. Potential Difference
5. Resistence
1. Watts
2. Joules
3. Amps
4. Volts
5. Ohms
T or F?
As Voltage Increases, our Current increases as well.
T - The more energy provided, contributes to the speed of electrons by giving them that energy to move. So more energy means giving away more energy to current.
What is an Object that uses Direct Current?
Batteries - Direct Flow is produced by Batteries where it's Electrons only follow one path and does go back since there's no switch.
T or F
If voltage decreased than would our current decrease?
Yes, since voltage is what gives current the force/push to move than if it decreased than the current would slow down as well.