Electron Flow in Electricity Quiz

What is the main difference between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)?

When AC electricity is generated in the U.S., what is the frequency at which the current cycles?

In a direct current (DC) circuit, what happens when the switch is turned on?

How does the flickering effect of a light bulb in an AC circuit appear to the human eye?

Which of the following statements about AC and DC circuits is accurate?

What is the primary characteristic of AC current?

Which statement accurately describes DC power?

How does the voltage in AC power differ from that in DC power?

In what form do we commonly use DC power for portable devices?

What is true about the flow of AC current compared to DC current?

Electron Flow in Electricity

Electricity is the movement of electrons through wires, occurring in two forms: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).

Direct Current (DC)

Electrons move in one direction, from negative (-) to positive (+).
This flow is constant until the power source is depleted or switched off.
In a simple circuit with a light bulb, electrons flow from the negative terminal through the switch, to the bulb.
The bulb's filament heats up and glows using the electron's charge.
Electrons then return to the positive terminal of the battery to be reused.

Alternating Current (AC)

Electrons vibrate back and forth between negative and positive.
This vibration isn't steady, but happens in synchronization with the generator's speed (frequency).
The frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
In the US, AC has a frequency of 60 Hz. This means electrons vibrate 60 times per second.
This back-and-forth motion creates a flickering light that is too rapid for the human eye.
AC is generated by a generator, where charges flow in both directions, opposite to DC's single direction

Comparing AC and DC

AC current's flow is in a sine wave pattern.
DC current's flow is constant in one direction.

Voltage

Voltage is the force that moves electrons.
Different electrical devices have different voltage requirements.
AC voltage can be easily modified using transformers.
DC voltage is easier for portable devices like batteries because higher voltage is not needed.

Test your knowledge on the basics of electron flow in electricity, focusing on direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Explore how electrons move through circuits and the differences between these two forms of electrical current. This quiz challenges your understanding of key concepts and terms related to electricity.