Electrical system
Sources
Main electricity
Electric cells
Main socket
Have INPUT(something we use) and OUTPUT(result)
Must be close(complete) circuit for it to work
If open, then its an incomplete(open) circuit
Materials
Insulators
Conductors
metals
non-metals such as plastic, wood etc
Flow of elctrons in one direction in a circuit is called an electric circuit
Move from negative terminal to positive terminal
Current
Conventional
Electron
Positive to negative
Negative to positive
Measure electric current
Ammeter (SI unit: amprere (A))
1000mA = 1A
Connect in series
Positive terminal is connected to positive side of the cell and vice versa
Air con needs 10A to work while a light bulb in lamp needs 0.5A
Potential Difference (p.d.)
p.d. btw 2 points is a measure of the amt of potential energy that is changed into other forms of energy when an electron passes between these 2 points
Measure via Voltmeter (SI unit: volt (V))
Connected in parallel across the bulbs
Positive terminal connected to positive side of the cell and vice versa
Positive terminal is red while Negative terminal is black
Resistance
Like an obstacle against the flow of electrons
Higher resistance, lower power
Resistors
Variable resistors (rheostat)
Fixed resistors
Arrangement of circuits
Series
Parallel
- Prallel circuit divides into 2 or more branches and has electrical components in each branch
- The current from the battery divides and flows through each branch
- If one bulb is removed or broken, the other bulbs remain lit becuz the circuit remains closed.
- Each component is joined one after the other to form a single path
- The current that flows through each of the component is the same
- If one bulb is removed or broken, no current flows. The other bulbs do not light up becuz the circuit is now open
Resistors
In parallel, total resistance decrease
In series, total resistance increase
Effects
Heating (electrical energy -> heat energy). Higher resistance, more heat generated.
Magnetic effect
Can magnetise a magnetic material
Chemical
Electroplating
Extration of metals
Allows metallic objects to be covered with a thin layer of another metal
Solid compound heated until it melts. Electric current passed through the molten compound which breaks down to give the metal.
Electrolysis (Electricity break down)