Electrical Concepts Quiz

The direction electric force would act on a positive charge placed in the field.

A measure of the strength of the electric field at a given point.

The electric field around a single positive charge. Lines point radially outwards.

The electric field around a single negative charge. Lines point radially inwards.

The rate at which electric charge flows through a point in a circuit.

The conventional direction of electric current is the direction of positive charge flow.

A device used to measure electric current in a circuit.

The process of connecting electrical components in a continuous line, one after the other.

A measure of how much a component opposes the flow of electrical current through it.

The electrical work done by a source (e.g. battery) in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit.

The equation used to calculate resistance: Resistance = Potential Difference / Current.

The amount of electrical energy lost by a unit charge as it passes through a component.

The relationship between voltage and current in a circuit component.

Electrical energy is transferred to the charged particles (e.g. electrons) by the energy source. It is the electrical work done per unit charge.

The electrical energy is converted to a different form, such as light, heat, or sound, as the charges pass through the component.

A component where the current is directly proportional to the voltage. This means the resistance stays constant, regardless of the applied voltage.

A component where the resistance changes with the current. As current increases, the resistance also increases (e.g. filament lamp).

The electrical current is a flow of charged particles. It is a measure of the amount of charge flowing past a point in a circuit per unit time.

The electric current flows in one direction, from the negative to the positive terminal.

An electronic component that allows current to flow easily in one direction but restricts it in the other.

A device used to measure the potential difference (voltage) across a component in a circuit.

The electric current changes direction of flow regularly, so there are no clearly defined positive and negative terminals.

The difference in electrical potential between two points in a circuit. It is the driving force for current flow.

The ammeter used for a specific circuit should result in a reading in the middle of its range, to avoid its damage.

The rate at which a component transfers electrical energy.

The energy transferred by an appliance depends on its power and the time it is switched on.

A unit of electrical energy.

A drawn representation of an electric circuit.

The source of electrical energy in a circuit, often a battery or a cell.

Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Converts electric energy from a source to the right voltage.

Resistance is directly proportional to the length of the resistor and inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area.

In a parallel circuit, the total current entering a junction is equal to the total current leaving that junction.

The voltage across each branch in a parallel circuit is the same and equal to the voltage of the source.

The total resistance in a parallel circuit is less than the resistance of any individual resistor.

The formula 1/R_total = 1/R_1 + 1/R_2 + ... is used to calculate the total resistance of a circuit. It shows that the reciprocal of total resistance is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of individual resistances.

In a series circuit, the voltage supplied by the source is divided amongst the different resistors in proportion to their resistances. Larger resistances get a proportionally larger share of the voltage.

A variable potential divider is a circuit that utilizes resistors to divide a source voltage into smaller, adjustable portions. This allows for varying the voltage output for different purposes.

In a series circuit, the current is the same through each component.

For a constant current, increasing the resistance of a conductor leads to a proportional increase in the potential difference across it. This principle is used in voltage dividers to distribute voltage.

The electrical potential difference (voltage) across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it. This means a larger resistance will lead to a bigger voltage drop across it for the same current.

Damaged insulation on electrical wires can lead to electric shocks or fires. This is because the exposed wire can create a direct path for electricity to flow, bypassing the intended circuit.

When high currents flow through thin wires, they generate excessive heat. This heat can melt the insulation, creating a fire hazard.

Water is a good conductor of electricity. Wet conditions can lead to electrical shocks because water provides a path for electricity to flow to the body.

Overloading electrical outlets or extension cords can create excess current, leading to heat and a fire hazard.

The live wire carries electrical current from the power source to the device. This is the wire that is dangerous when exposed.

The neutral wire carries electrical current back to the power source after passing through the device. It is generally safe to touch.

The earth wire provides a path for current to flow to the ground in case of a fault or a sudden voltage surge. This protects against electric shocks and fires.