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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a fuel cell?
What is the primary function of a fuel cell?
What term is used to describe electric charges that flow through a conductor in a controlled way?
What term is used to describe electric charges that flow through a conductor in a controlled way?
Alternating current (AC) flows in one direction through an electric circuit.
Alternating current (AC) flows in one direction through an electric circuit.
False
Primary cells can be recharged multiple times.
Primary cells can be recharged multiple times.
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What are the two forms of current electricity?
What are the two forms of current electricity?
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What is the term for a combination of two or more electric cells?
What is the term for a combination of two or more electric cells?
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The positive terminal of a battery is located at the ______.
The positive terminal of a battery is located at the ______.
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An electric circuit requires a source of energy, a load, conducting wires, and sometimes a ______.
An electric circuit requires a source of energy, a load, conducting wires, and sometimes a ______.
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of hydro-electric generation?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of hydro-electric generation?
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Match the following components of an electric circuit with their descriptions:
Match the following components of an electric circuit with their descriptions:
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Which type of current is produced by an electric cell?
Which type of current is produced by an electric cell?
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Match the type of generation with its description:
Match the type of generation with its description:
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What is produced when hydrogen and oxygen react in a fuel cell?
What is produced when hydrogen and oxygen react in a fuel cell?
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An open circuit allows electricity to flow.
An open circuit allows electricity to flow.
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Electricity is produced when one type of energy is converted into ______.
Electricity is produced when one type of energy is converted into ______.
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What is electrical energy?
What is electrical energy?
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Electric cells convert ______ energy into electrical energy.
Electric cells convert ______ energy into electrical energy.
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Electricity can travel long distances to where it is needed.
Electricity can travel long distances to where it is needed.
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Why is Alternating Current (AC) used in electric generating stations?
Why is Alternating Current (AC) used in electric generating stations?
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What is a primary disadvantage of wind generation?
What is a primary disadvantage of wind generation?
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What is a major drawback of wind energy generation?
What is a major drawback of wind energy generation?
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Solar panels operate independently of an electrical grid.
Solar panels operate independently of an electrical grid.
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What does an Energuide label provide to consumers?
What does an Energuide label provide to consumers?
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______ is a renewable energy resource that uses heat from the Earth's crust.
______ is a renewable energy resource that uses heat from the Earth's crust.
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Match the following energy types with their characteristics:
Match the following energy types with their characteristics:
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What is a common disadvantage of using solar energy?
What is a common disadvantage of using solar energy?
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Biomass generation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Biomass generation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
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What is a 'phantom' load?
What is a 'phantom' load?
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Thermal generation uses heat to produce __________.
Thermal generation uses heat to produce __________.
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Which of the following is a benefit of biomass generation?
Which of the following is a benefit of biomass generation?
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What is a primary disadvantage of burning fossil fuels?
What is a primary disadvantage of burning fossil fuels?
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Nuclear power generates greenhouse gases.
Nuclear power generates greenhouse gases.
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What is measured in watts (W)?
What is measured in watts (W)?
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A kilowatt-hour represents _____ watts of energy used over one hour.
A kilowatt-hour represents _____ watts of energy used over one hour.
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Match the device with its efficiency:
Match the device with its efficiency:
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How do older appliances generally compare to newer ones in terms of energy use?
How do older appliances generally compare to newer ones in terms of energy use?
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Efficiency can be greater than 100%.
Efficiency can be greater than 100%.
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What time frame is electricity most expensive in Ontario?
What time frame is electricity most expensive in Ontario?
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The _____ of electrical devices refers to how much useful energy is produced compared to the energy supplied.
The _____ of electrical devices refers to how much useful energy is produced compared to the energy supplied.
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Which of the following is a pro of using nuclear power?
Which of the following is a pro of using nuclear power?
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Study Notes
Current Electricity
- Current electricity refers to the controlled flow of electric charges (electrons) through a conductor such as metal wires (e.g., copper or aluminum).
- This flow is provided by batteries or an electrical generating station (power outlets).
- Electronic devices require electron flow to function.
- The continuous path for electron flow is an electric circuit.
Direct Current (DC)
- DC is a flow of electrons in one direction through an electric circuit.
- DC is produced by electric cells, used to power small devices.
Alternating Current (AC)
- AC is a flow of electrons that reverses direction in the electric circuit.
- AC is produced by generating stations for power lights and larger devices.
- AC is more efficient than DC for long-distance electrical energy distribution.
Electric Circuits
- An electric circuit includes:
- An energy source (e.g., battery or generating station).
- A load, which transforms electrical energy into another form (e.g., heaters, lamps, fans, computer parts).
- Wires that connect all circuit components.
- A switch to control the flow of electrons (sometimes).
- An open circuit has a broken connection, preventing electricity flow.
- A closed circuit has all connections, enabling electricity flow.
Electrical Energy Sources
-
Electric Cells: These portable devices convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
- They have two electrodes (positive and negative terminals).
- Primary cells cannot be recharged; secondary cells can.
- Batteries are combinations of multiple cells.
-
Fuel Cells: Fuel cells provide a continuous supply of chemicals to generate electricity, allowing for longer operation compared to conventional cells.
- Example: Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing electricity as a byproduct.
Generating Electricity
- Electricity is produced when one form of energy is converted into electrical energy.
- Generating stations convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
- External forces (like water flow or wind) spin turbines, which rotate coils in generators that create electron flow.
- This process is controlled for regulated and long-distance power delivery.
Renewable Energy Generation
-
Water Generation (Hydroelectric): The energy of falling water is used to turn turbines to produce electricity.
- This is renewable (always available).
- Dams are often used to store water for steady power generation.
-
Wind Generation: Wind turbines turn generators to produce electricity.
- They do not pollute air or water; they can be located close to where the power is needed reducing transmission lines.
-
Solar Generation: Photovoltaic (PV) cells directly convert light to electricity.
- Renewable (sunlight is always available).
- Not very efficient yet.
Geothermal Energy
- Ground-sourced geothermal energy involves circulating fluid through subterranean pipes to extract heat from Earth's crust for electricity generation.
- The Earth's core supplies a continuous temperature creating a sustainable source of energy.
Biomass Generation
- Biomass generation uses organic matter (plant/animal material, wood, straw, manure, etc.) to produce electricity.
- These resources are renewable and can be replenished.
- Can be converted to a variety of fuels.
Non-Renewable Energy Generation
- Non-renewable sources use resources that will eventually run out (e.g., fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas; nuclear uranium).
- These processes also produce pollutants (e.g., CO2, acid rain, greenhouse gases).
- They use thermal processes to produce steam that generate electricity.
Electrical Power and Efficiency
- The rate at which electricity is produced or consumed is measured in watts (W).
- Kilowatt-hours (kWh) are also used (one thousand watts operating for one hour).
- Efficiency is the ratio of useful energy produced compared to the energy input.
- Inefficiencies result in energy loss due to various factors, ideally always less than 100%.
Cost of Electricity
- Electricity costs vary regionally and depend on time of day/week (off-peak, mid-peak, on-peak).
- The cost of operating a device can be calculated using the equation (power used (kW) × time (hours) × cost per kWh).
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts related to current electricity, including the definitions and differences between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Additionally, it explores the structure and components of electric circuits. Test your understanding of how electric charge flows and how it powers devices!