Questions and Answers
What is characteristic of direct current (DC)?
How do like charges interact with each other?
What defines alternating current (AC)?
What property describes the relationship between electrical charge and living cells?
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What is a key feature of pulsed current?
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What effect results from the accumulation of charge in direct current (DC)?
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Which of the following correctly describes an insulator with regard to electrical charge?
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Which application would most likely use alternating current (AC)?
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What type of charge is involved in the therapeutic use of electrical agents?
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What is the driving force in an electric circuit that affects current flow?
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Study Notes
Pulsed Current Characteristics
- Essential characteristics include waveform type and shape, pulse frequency, and pulse duration.
- Waveform examples include symmetrical biphasic square.
- An example of pulse frequency is 50 Hz, while pulse duration might be 400 microseconds.
Voltage
- Voltage represents the potential energy created by an electric field; it drives electron movement.
- Measured in volts (V) or millivolts (mV).
Conductors and Insulators
- Conductors allow free movement of ions or electrons; examples are metals, water, muscle, and nerve tissues.
- Insulators restrict charged particle movement; examples include rubber and plastic.
Ohm’s Law and Electrical Properties
- Current denotes the free flow of charged particles in response to applied voltage.
- Resistance opposes current flow and can vary in the human body.
- Charge is transferable, exists in positive and negative forms; net negativity is termed cathode, net positivity is anode.
Types of Electric Current
- Direct Current (DC): Continuous unidirectional flow of charged particles for at least 1 second. Used in iontophoresis to push ions into tissues.
- Alternating Current (AC): Bidirectional flow that changes direction at least once per second, characterized by frequency (measured in Hz).
- Pulsed Current: Can mimic AC or DC, consisting of intermittent unidirectional or bidirectional flow that ceases temporarily before the next pulse. Commonly used in devices like TENS.
Properties of Electrical Charge
- Charge exists in two types: positive and negative.
- Like charges repel, while opposite charges attract.
- Charge is measured in coulombs (C) and is fundamental for therapeutic applications.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the principles of electro physical agents, highlighting the concepts of electricity including charge and electron flow. It covers essential topics relevant to physical therapy in understanding the application of electricity in treatments.