Electricity Flashcards: Volts, Amps, Watts, Hertz

What is the pressure that pushes electric current through a wire?

Voltage, which is the pressure that pushes electrical current through a wire, is measured in [...].

What measures the strength of a current of electricity?

What is 'Amp' short for?

What is a measure of power?

Watts can be calculated using the formula [...].

Watts are a measurement of the amount (or more specifically the [...]) of energy or power released or used.

Watts measure the derived power, or the rate of [...] or use of this energy.

What describes the rate of change in the directional flow of electricity?

In a metaphor, while standing at the shoreline, the water changes [...] and flows back out.

With electricity, the frequency of change in direction is measured per [...] and is expressed in hertz.

What does 60 Hz mean?

When it comes to hertz, what matters geographically?

If you're in the US, what is the standard frequency in hertz?

Equipment utilizing alternating-current (AC) motors uses frequency (hertz) to determine the motor [...] and to calculate time.

What might happen if you plug a 60 Hz alarm clock into a 50 Hz outlet?

Voltage and Amperage

Voltage is the pressure that pushes electric current through a wire.
Voltage is measured in volts.
Amp, short for ampere, measures the strength of an electric current.

Power and Watts

Watts represent a measure of power.
The formula for calculating watts is: Amps x Volts.
Watts indicate the rate at which energy or power is released or used.

Energy Production

In the context of a water wheel, watts analogously represent the power produced from the flow of water.
Watts measure the rate of production or use of energy.

Frequency and Hertz

Hertz denotes the rate of change in the directional flow of electricity.
A metaphor for hertz involves the natural ebb and flow of water at a shoreline, changing direction back and forth.
The frequency of change in direction is measured per second and is expressed in hertz.
60 Hz indicates that the rate of change of directional flow of electricity occurs 60 times per second.

Geographic Influence on Frequency

Geographic location affects electrical frequency standards.
In the United States, the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Applications of Hertz

Equipment with alternating-current (AC) motors or timer controls relies on frequency (hertz) to determine motor speed and time.
If a device designed for 60 Hz is plugged into a 50 Hz outlet, it may operate slower or inaccurately, resulting in running late.

This quiz features flashcards that cover key concepts in electricity, including definitions and measurements related to volts, amps, watts, and hertz. Test your understanding of these important electrical terms and their meanings.