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Questions and Answers
What is the primary phenomenon described in Chapter 1?
What is the net amount of charge flowing across an area in a given time interval?
What is the physical quantity represented by the symbol I?
What is the characteristic of the flow of charges in lightning?
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What is the analogy used to describe the flow of charges in devices?
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What is the implication of a negative number in the context of electric current?
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What is the unit of current in SI units?
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What is the typical order of magnitude of currents in domestic appliances?
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What is the main reason why electrons are not free to move in atoms and molecules?
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What happens to electrons when an electric field is applied to a conductor?
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Study Notes
Electric Current
- Electric currents occur naturally, such as in lightning, and are also present in everyday devices, like torches and cell-driven clocks.
- In a steady electric current, charges flow in a smooth and continuous manner.
Defining Electric Current
- The net amount of charge flowing across a small area in a given time interval is proportional to the time interval.
- The current across the area is defined as the quotient of the net charge and the time interval (I = q/t).
- If the result is negative, it implies a current in the backward direction.
Current in a Conductor
- In a conductor, a small electric field can cause a significant acceleration of electrons due to their low mass.
- In solid conductors, the current is carried by negatively charged electrons in the background of fixed positive ions.
- In other types of conductors, like electrolytic solutions, both positive and negative charges can move.
Characteristics of Current
- Current is measured in amperes (A) in the SI system.
- An ampere is defined through magnetic effects of currents, which will be studied later.
- The magnitude of currents can vary greatly, from microamperes in nerves to tens of thousands of amperes in lightning.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of electric current, charge in motion, and its natural occurrences like lightning. It also touches on steady flow of charges in everyday devices.
