Principles of Electricity Flashcards

Electricity Basics

• Electricity is a form of energy that can produce light, heat, magnetic, and chemical changes.
• Electrons are tiny negatively charged particles that are fundamental to electrical energy.

Current and Flow

• Electric current refers to the flow of electrons along a conductor.
• Current can be measured in Amperes (AMP), which indicates the number of electrons flowing in a line.

Measurements and Units

• Voltage (V) measures the pressure of electrons, with standard values of 110 or 220 volts in AC generators.
• Ohms (Ω) quantify resistance, indicating how difficult it is for electrons to flow through a conductor.
• Watts (W) measure the amount of energy used, with 1,000 watts equal to one kilowatt.

Frequency

• Hertz (Hz) indicates the frequency of cycles per second in an alternating current (AC), with 1 Hz equal to one cycle per second.

Types of Current

• Direct Current (DC) features electrons moving in one direction at a steady rate.
• Alternating Current (AC) allows electrons to flow first in one direction and then reverse back.

Circuit Concepts

• A circuit is a closed path through which electrons travel to power appliances.
• Parallel wiring allows multiple loads to be powered independently, while series wiring powers all loads in sequence.

Safety Considerations

• Cord safety is essential; cords should remain straight and untangled to prevent breaks and potential electric shocks.
• Overloading occurs when too many appliances draw power from a single circuit simultaneously.

Electrical Issues

• A short circuit happens when an unintended conductor contacts a wire carrying current, potentially causing malfunctions or hazards.
• Safety devices, containing fine metal wire, are integrated into circuits to help prevent overloads and short circuits.

Thermal and Other Forms of Current

• Thermal energy is generated during the flow of electricity.
• Electric current exists in two primary forms: Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).