Electric Current Effects and Electrolysis

Electric current causes chemical reactions to occur, like in electrolysis, where water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen by the flow of electrons.

An ammeter must be connected in series with the component you want to measure the current of. This ensures that all the current flowing through the circuit also flows through the ammeter for accurate measurement.

Electroplating is a process where a thin layer of metal is deposited onto an object to enhance its properties, like corrosion resistance and appearance

A galvanometer is a device used to measure small currents, often acting as a milliammeter or microammeter, by detecting slight changes in electric flow.

The three primary effects of electric current are chemical (e.g., electrolysis), magnetic (e.g., electromagnets), and heating (e.g., resistive heating in wires).

Metals are good conductors of electricity because they have a 'sea of electrons' that can move freely through the lattice of positive ions, allowing for easy flow of electric charge.

The lattice structure of metals gives them strength, high melting points, and allows for malleability and ductility as the positive ions can slide past each other.

The magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor is used in various devices like electromagnets, relays, and loudspeakers.

The temperature of water increases when a steady current passes through a heating coil because electrical energy is converted into heat due to the resistance of the coil.

The SI unit of electric current is the ampere (A), defined as the flow of one coulomb of charge per second passing a point in an electric circuit.

The process by which electric current causes a chemical reaction, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

A process where a thin layer of one metal is deposited onto another metal using an electric current, commonly used to improve the appearance and resistance to tarnishing in cutlery.

A device used to measure the current in a conductor, and is connected in series with the component whose current is being measured.

A device used to measure small electrical currents by detecting the magnetic effect of the current on a needle or coil.

The location in an electrolytic cell where oxidation occurs, releasing oxygen gas and hydroxide ions as water molecules lose electrons.

The law stating that the heat produced in a resistor is directly proportional to the resistance and the square of the current.

The flow of electric charge always moving in one direction, usually from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.

Electrical current that continuously changes direction, flowing first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

A wire that provides a path for current to safely flow to the ground in case of a fault, protecting against electrocution.

A safety device that melts and breaks the circuit when current exceeds a specific value, preventing overheating and potential fire hazards.

A safety device that melts and breaks a circuit when the current exceeds a certain limit, preventing damage to appliances and wiring.

Connects the metal casing of an appliance to the ground (earth). It helps provide a low-resistance path for current in case of a fault, preventing electric shock.

Connects metal parts within an installation to prevent voltage differences between them, helping to prevent electric shock.

Carries the electrical current.

Completes the circuit.

Provides a pathway for current in case of a fault.

A safety device that automatically interrupts an electrical circuit when an overload or short circuit occurs, protecting the wiring system.

The flow of electric charge through a conductor.

A device that measures the flow of electric current in a circuit.

The chemical process of using electric current to break down a substance into its constituent elements.

The flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in Amperes (A). It represents the amount of charge passing a point in a circuit per second.

The unit of electric current, representing the flow of 1 Coulomb of charge per second.

The effect of electric current that causes a magnetic field to be generated around the conductor.

A device that uses electromagnetism to create a magnetic field, often used in motors, speakers, and other applications.

A light bulb that uses a tungsten filament that heats up and emits light when current passes through it.

The movement of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through a conductor.

The ability of a material to allow electric current to flow through it easily. Metals are good conductors, while rubber is a poor conductor.

The tendency of a material to oppose the flow of electric current. Higher resistance means less current flows for a given voltage.

The wire carrying the alternating voltage from the power source to an appliance.

The wire completing the circuit and carrying the current back to the power source.

Safety devices that automatically interrupt the circuit when they detect excessive current flow (overcurrent), protecting against overheating and fire.