electricity & circuits

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inactive.

Cards (51)

What is electric current? 
The flow of electric charge through a conductor
How is electric current measured?
In amperes (A)
What is voltage? 
The electric potential difference between two points in a circuit
How is voltage measured? 
In volts (V)
How can we compare electric current and voltage using a water pipe analogy?
Current is like the flow of water through the pipe.
Voltage is like the water pressure pushing the water through the pipe.
What causes electric current to flow in a circuit?
Voltage creates the force that pushes electrons through the circuit
What is the formula for electric current?
I = Q/t
What do the symbols in the formula I = Q/t represent?
I is current, Q is charge, and t is time
What is the relationship between current and voltage?
A higher voltage will generally result in a higher current, assuming resistance stays the same
What are conductors? 
Materials that allow electric current to flow easily
What is an example of a good conductor?
Copper
Why do conductors allow electric current to flow easily?
They have loosely bound electrons in their outer shells
What are insulators? 
Materials that resist the flow of electric current
What is an example of an insulator?
Rubber
Why do insulators resist the flow of electric current?
They have tightly bound electrons
What is the role of conductors and insulators in a circuit?
Conductors are used for wires, and insulators prevent unwanted current flow
What is a power source in a circuit? 
It provides electrical energy
What are examples of power sources?
Batteries and solar cells
What are conductors in a circuit?
Wires that carry electric current
What are resistors? 
Components that resist the flow of current
How are resistors measured?
In ohms (Ω)
What is the function of a switch in a circuit?
To control the flow of current (on/off)
What are loads in a circuit?
Devices that use electrical energy
What is an example of a load? 
A light bulb
What are the basic components of a circuit and their functions?
Power source: Provides electrical energy (e.g., batteries, solar cells)
Conductors: Wires that carry electric current
Resistors: Components that resist the flow of current
Switches: Control the flow of current (on/off)
Loads: Devices that use electrical energy (e.g., light bulbs, motors)
What happens in a simple flashlight circuit?
A battery provides power, wires carry current, a switch controls the flow, and a light bulb acts as the load
What is the function of a capacitor?
To store electrical charge
What is the function of an inductor?
To store energy in a magnetic field
How does current flow in a circuit?
Current flows from the negative terminal of the power source, through the components, and back to the positive terminal
What is the function of a diode?
To allow current to flow in only one direction
How does the arrangement of components affect a circuit's behavior?
The arrangement determines how current flows and how components interact
What is the significance of circuit symbols?
They provide a visual representation of components in circuit diagrams
What would happen if you replaced a light bulb with a resistor of very high resistance in a simple circuit?
Very little current would flow due to the high resistance
What is the primary function of a diode in a circuit?
Allow current to flow in only one direction
What is an example of a type of diode?
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
What are the circuit symbols for common components?
Battery: ----||-
Resistor: -\/\/\/\-
Switch: -o/o-
Light bulb: -( )-
What is the purpose of connecting components in a circuit?
To form a complete path for electricity to flow
How does current flow in a circuit with a power source?
Current flows from the negative terminal of the power source, through the components, and back to the positive terminal
What happens in a simple circuit with a battery, switch, and light bulb if you replace the light bulb with a resistor of very high resistance?
Very little or no current would flow, similar to an open circuit
What is the effect of increasing resistance in a circuit with constant voltage?
The current decreases