Conductors & Insulators
What is a conductor?
A material that allows electricity to flow through it easily.
What causes static electricity?
The buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects.
What is a circuit?
A complete path through which electricity can flow.
Why shouldn't you use electrical appliances near water?
Water conducts electricity and increases the risk of shock.
Name one renewable energy source.
Solar, wind, hydroelectric, bio mass.
Name a material that is a good conductor.
Metals like copper or aluminum.
What happens when two objects with the same charge come close together?
They repel each other.
Name the two types of circuits.
Series and parallel circuits.
What should you never do with an electrical outlet?
Never stick objects into an outlet that aren't designed for it.
Name one non-renewable energy source.
Nuclear or natural gas.
What is an insulator?
A material that does not allow electricity to flow through it easily.
Why do you sometimes get a shock when touching a metal object after walking on a carpet?
Static electricity discharges when the built-up charge on your body moves to the metal object.
What happens to the other bulbs in a series circuit if one bulb burns out?
All the bulbs go out because the circuit is broken.
Why shouldn't you put a metal object in a toaster?
Electricity can travel through the metal and into your body.
Why is solar power considered renewable?
It uses energy from the sun, which is unlimited and naturally replenished.
Name 2 good insulators.
Rubber, plastic, wood, glass, etc.
When does static electricity occur?
When there is an imbalance between positive and negative charges in an object.
In a parallel circuit, what happens to the other bulbs if one bulb burns out?
The other bulbs stay lit because each bulb has its own circuit path.
Why shouldn't you have multiple wires plugged into one outlet at the same time?
What is the main disadvantage of non-renewable energy sources?
They can run out and cause air pollution.
Why are insulators important in electrical wiring?
They prevent electrical shocks and keep the electricity flowing safely through the wires.
Explain why your hair might stand on end when you rub a balloon on it.
Rubbing the balloon transfers electrons to the balloon, making it negatively charged and your hair positively charged. The like charges in your hair strands repel each other, causing them to stand up.
Name the 3 components you need to build a simple circuit.
A power source, a conductor, and a load.
Name 3 common electrical hazards.
Frayed or damaged wires, using electronics near water, overloaded power outlets, etc.
What renewable energy source uses flowing water to produce electricity?
Hydroelectric.