Electrons and Electrical Circuits

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Questions and Answers

What is required for electricity to be formed?

  • A stream of electrons (correct)
  • A gap in a circuit
  • An insulator
  • A switch

Which of the following materials is a common conductor of electricity?

  • Copper (correct)
  • Wood
  • Rubber
  • Glass

What happens in an open circuit?

  • The circuit is complete
  • Electrons flow freely
  • A power source is absent
  • There is a gap preventing electron flow (correct)

What is the function of a battery in a circuit?

<p>To provide force that moves electrons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do you need to do to ensure the circuit functions correctly?

<p>Use both terminals of the battery (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What device interrupts the flow of electricity in a circuit?

<p>A switch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'circuit' refer to in the context of electricity?

<p>A closed loop for electron flow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an insulator?

<p>Rubber (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a light bulb is not connected in a circuit?

<p>The circuit becomes an open circuit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes materials that allow for electron flow?

<p>Conductors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are electrons?

Tiny charged particles that are part of an atom, and when flowing, create electricity.

What are conductors?

Materials that allow electrons to flow through them easily, enabling the transmission of electricity.

What are insulators?

Materials that resist the flow of electrons, preventing electricity from passing through them easily.

What is a circuit?

A complete path for electrons to flow through, starting and ending at the same point.

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What is an open circuit?

A circuit where there's a gap, preventing electrons from flowing and stopping the electrical current.

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What is a closed circuit?

A circuit where there's no gap, allowing electrons to flow continuously.

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What is a power source?

A device that provides the force needed to move electrons in a circuit, creating an electrical current.

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What is a switch?

A device that creates a gap in a circuit, allowing you to turn the flow of electricity on or off.

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What is a short circuit?

A circuit without a load (like a light bulb or fan), where electricity flows directly back to the power source, potentially causing damage.

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What is a complete electrical circuit?

A circuit where electricity flows through a load, like a light bulb or fan, converting electrical energy into another form of energy, such as light or heat.

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Study Notes

Electrons and Electricity

  • Electrons are tiny charged parts of atoms. The word "electron" comes from combining "electric" and "ion."
  • A stream of moving electrons creates electricity.
  • Conductors allow electrons to flow easily. Examples include copper, aluminum, gold, and silver wires.
  • Insulators resist electron flow. Rubber, wood, air, plastic, and glass are examples.

Circuits

  • An electrical circuit is a closed path for electrons to travel.
  • The word "circuit" originates from the Latin word "circuitus," meaning "circular motion."
  • A closed circuit is unbroken, allowing electron flow.
  • An open circuit has a break, preventing electron flow.

Electrical Circuits

  • An electrical circuit needs a power source (e.g., battery) to push electrons.
  • Conductors (e.g., wires) provide the path for electrons.
  • An electrical appliance (e.g., light bulb) uses the electricity.
  • A circuit must be closed for continuous electron flow.
  • Batteries have positive and negative terminals.
  • Wires connect the components of the circuit to the battery, then to the appliance.
  • A short circuit occurs when there is no appliance to use the electricity (and potentially cause harm.)

Switches

  • Switches are devices that control electron flow in circuits.
  • An open switch breaks the circuit, stopping electron flow.
  • A closed switch completes the circuit, allowing electron flow.
  • Switches function like drawbridges: raised for a break, lowered for passage.
  • Flipping a switch to turn on a light closes the circuit, allowing electrons to flow and light the bulb.

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