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- 1. Multiple Choice
What is the purpose of the switch shown in this schematic diagram?
To increase the voltage of the current
To decrease the voltage of the current
It does nothing
To establish or interrupt the electrical current of the circuit in order to control the light bulb.
- 2. Multiple Choice
What difference will it make if the switch is located in either of these two alternate locations in the circuit?
It makes no difference at all
The switch on the positive side can conduct the electricity at any type of voltage
The switch on the negative side cannot conduct any electricity
The switch is able better be able to stop and allow the flow of electricity
- 3. Multiple Choice
Does this switch (in the closed state) have a low resistance or a high resistance between its terminals?
The closed switch has a low resistance
The closed switch has a high resistance
- 4. Multiple Choice
How might you use a meter (or a conductivity/continuity tester) to determine whether this electrical switch is in the open or closed state?
By measuring the resistance of the switch
By measuring in between the the two screw terminals
- 5. Multiple Choice
Determine if the light bulb will de-energize for each of the following breaks in the circuit. Consider just one break at a time:
DE, no effect, no effect, no effect, DE, no effect
No effect, no effect, no effect, no effect, no effect, no effect
DE, DE, DE, DE, DE, DE
No effect, DE, no effect, DE, no effect, DE
- 6. Multiple Choice
Shown here is a simplified representation of an atom: the smallest division of matter that may be isolated through physical or chemical methods.
Inside of each atom are several smaller bits of matter called particles. Identify the three different types of “elementary” particles inside an atom, their electrical properties, and their respective locations within the atom.
Reveal answer
All of them have a negative charge and are all in the center
All of them have a positive charge and are all in the outside ring
Neutrons reside in the center (“nucleus”) of the atom, as do protons. Neutrons are electrically neutral (no charge), while protons have a positive electrical charge. Electrons, which reside outside the nucleus, have negative electrical charges.
Neutrons reside outside of the nucleus, and have no charge. Protons reside in the center of atom, and have a positive charge. Electrons reside in the outside of the nucleus and have a negative charge
- 7. Multiple Choice
Different types of atoms are distinguished by different numbers of elementary particles within them. Determine the numbers of elementary particles within each of these types of atoms:
• Carbon
• Hydrogen
• Helium
• Aluminum
Hint: look up each of these elements on a periodic table.
Reveal answer
Carbon: 6,6,6; Hydrogen: 1,1,0; Helium: 2,2,2; Aluminum: 13,13,14
Carbon: 5,6,6; Hydrogen: 8,1,0; Helium: 2,7,2; Aluminum: 13,13,5
Carbon: 8,8,6; Hydrogen: 1,1,5; Helium: 4,4,2; Aluminum: 13,13,1
Carbon: 8,8,8; Hydrogen: 9,9,3; Helium: 2,2,2; Aluminum: 13,13,14
- 8. Multiple Choice
Of the three types of “elementary particles” constituting atoms, determine which type(s) influence the following properties of an element:
• The chemical identity of the atoms (whether it is an atom of nitrogen, iron, silver, or some other element).
• The mass of the atom.
• The electrical charge of the atom.
• Whether or not it is radioactive (spontaneous disintegration of the nucleus).
Reveal answer
neutrons; neutrons and electrons, >electrons; neutrons and protons; neutrons
Protons; neutrons and protons, >electrons; electrons and protons; electrons and protons
Protons; neutrons and protons, >electrons; electrons and protons; neutrons
electrons; electrons and protons, >electrons; electrons and electrons; neutrons
- 9. Multiple Choice
The Greek word for amber (fossilized resin) is elektron. Explain how this came to be the word describing a certain type of subatomic particle (electron).
Reveal answer
When a piece of amber is rubbed with a cloth, a static electric charge develops on both objects. Early experimenters postulated the existence of an invisible fluid that was transferred between the amber and the cloth. Later, it was discovered that tiny sub-atomic particles constituted this “fluid,” and the name electron was given to them.
When a piece of amber is rubbed with a cloth, a static electric charge develops on both objects. Later, it was discovered that tiny sub-atomic particles constituted this “fluid,” and the name electron was given to them.
- 10. Multiple Choice
What does it mean for an object to have an electric charge? Give an example of an object receiving an electric charge, and describe how that charged object might behave.
Reveal answer
For an object to be electrically charged, it must have either a deficit of electrons among its atoms.
For an object to be electrically charged, it must have either a surplus of electrons among its atoms.
For an object to be electrically charged, it must have either a surplus or a deficit of electrons among its atoms.
For an object to be electrically charged, it must have electrons among its atoms.
- 11. Multiple Choice
How many electrons are contained in one coulomb of charge?
6.25 ×10^18
50 x 10^2
18 x 10^6.25
10 x 6.25^18
- 12. Multiple Choice
What is happening when two objects are rubbed together and static electricity results?
When certain combinations of materials are pushed together, the pushing action transfers electrons from the atoms of one material to the atoms of the other. This imbalance of electrons leaves the former material with a positive charge and the latter with a negative charge.
When certain combinations of materials are rubbed together, the rubbing action transfer electrons from the atoms of one material to the atoms of the other. This imbalance of electrons leaves the former material with a positive charge and the latter with a negative charge.
- 13. Multiple Choice
It is much easier to electrically “charge” an atom than it is to alter its chemical identity (say, from lead into gold). What does this fact indicate about the relative mobility of the elementary particles within an atom?
Reveal answer
Protons are much easier to remove from or add to an atom than Neutrons are. The reason for this is also the solution to the paradox of why Neutrons bind together tightly in the nucleus of an atom despite their identical electrical charges.
Neutrons are much easier to remove from or add to an atom than protons are. The reason for this is also the solution to the paradox of why protons bind together tightly in the nucleus of an atom despite their identical electrical charges.
Protons are much easier to remove from or add to an atom than electrons are. The reason for this is also the solution to the paradox of why electrons bind together tightly in the nucleus of an atom despite their identical electrical charges.
Electrons are much easier to remove from or add to an atom than protons are. The reason for this is also the solution to the paradox of why protons bind together tightly in the nucleus of an atom despite their identical electrical charges.
- 14. Multiple Choice
Explain what the electrical terms voltage, current, and resistance mean, using your own words.
Voltage: electrical “pressure” between two different points or locations.
Current: the flow of electrons.
Resistance: opposition, or “friction,” to the flow of electrons.
Current: electrical “pressure” between two different points or locations.
Voltage: the flow of electrons.
Resistance: opposition, or “friction,” to the flow of electrons.
Voltage, current and resistance is related through Ohm’s Law.
Resistance: electrical “pressure” between two different points or locations.
Current: the flow of electrons.
Voltage: opposition, or “friction,” to the flow of electrons.
Voltage, current and resistance is related through Ohm’s Law.
Voltage: electrical “pressure” between two different points or locations.
Resistance: the flow of electrons.
Current: opposition, or “friction,” to the flow of electrons.
Voltage, current and resistance is related through Ohm’s Law.
- 15. Multiple Choice
Describe what “electricity” is, in your own words.
Hide answer. Select 2 answers
Flow of protons
Flow of electrons
Electric current
Amount of voltage in a current
- 16. Multiple Choice
What is the difference between materials classified as conductors versus those classified as insulators, in the electrical sense of these words?
Electrical insulators offer easy passage of electric current through them, while electrical conductors do not.
Electrical conductors offer easy passage of electric current through them, while electrical insulators do not.
- 17. Multiple Choice
Identify several substances that are good conductors of electricity, and several substances that are good insulators of electricity.
Conductor: Metal; Insulator: Graphite
Conductor: Paper; Insulator: Rubber
Conductor: Rubber; Insulator: Metal
Conductor: Metal; Insulator: Rubber
- 18. Multiple Choice
In the simplest terms you can think of, define what an electrical circuit is.
An electrical circuit is any non-continuous path for electrons to flow away from a source of electrical potential (voltage) and back again.
An electrical circuit is any continuous path for electrons to flow away from a source of electrical potential (voltage) and back again.
- 19. Multiple Choice
What is the difference between DC and AC electricity? Identify some common sources of each type of electricity.
DC is an acronym meaning Direct Current: that is, electrical current that moves in one direction only.
AC is an acronym meaning Alternating Current: that is, electrical current that periodically reverses direction (“alternates”).
AC is an acronym meaning Direct Current: that is, electrical current that moves in one direction only.
DC is an acronym meaning Alternating Current: that is, electrical current that periodically reverses direction (“alternates”).
DC is an acronym meaning Alternating Current: that is, electrical current that moves in one direction only.
AC is an acronym meaning Direct Current: that is, electrical current that periodically reverses direction.
- 20. Multiple Choice
Suppose you are building a cabin far away from electric power service, but you desire to have electricity available to energize light bulbs, a radio, a computer, and other useful devices. Determine at least three different ways you could generate electrical power to supply the electric power needs at this cabin.
• Engine-driven generator
• Solar cell
• Battery
• Engine-driven generator
• Solar cell
• Thermopile
- 21. Multiple Choice
Where does the electricity come from that powers your home, or your school, or the streetlights along roads, or the many business establishments in your city? You will find that there are many different sources and types of sources of electrical power. In each case, try to determine where the ultimate source of that energy is.
For example, in a hydroelectric dam, the electricity is generated when falling water spins a turbine, which turns an electromechanical generator. But what continually drives the water to its “uphill” location so that the process is continuous? What is the ultimate source of energy that is being harnessed by the dam?
Hydroelectric dams
• Nuclear power plants
• Coal and oil fired power plants; yes
Hydroelectric dams
• Nuclear power plants
• Coal and oil fired power plants; no
- 22. Multiple Choice
Given a battery and a light bulb, show how you would connect these two devices together with wire so as to energize the light bulb:
Leave it as is
Use a wire and put both on one terminal and then connect the one part to the light bulb, again to only one part of the terminal of the light bulb.
Use a wire and tie it or tape it to each terminal (positive and negative) so it is a closed circuit. Do the same with the light bulb, as it should have to things where you can connect the wire.
Use a wire and put both on each terminal and then connect the one part to the light bulb, to only one part of the terminal of the light bulb.
- 23. Multiple Choice
Draw (choose) an electrical schematic diagram of a circuit where a battery provides electrical energy to a light bulb.
- 24. Multiple Choice
Most electrical wire is covered in a rubber or plastic coating called insulation. What is the purpose of having this “insulation” covering the metal wire?
The purpose of insulation covering the metal part of an electrical wire is to prevent accidental contact with other conductors of electricity, which might result in an unintentional electric current through those other conductors.
The purpose of insulation is to expose the metal part of an electrical wire is to allow accidental contact with other conductors of electricity, which should result in an unintentional electric current through those other conductors.
- 25. Multiple Choice
In the early days of electrical wiring, wires used to be insulated with cotton. This is no longer accepted practice. Explain why.
Cotton, like many natural fibers, is an electrical insulator until becomes wet!: true
False
- 26. Multiple Choice
How could a battery, a light bulb, and some lengths of metal wire be used as a conductivity tester, to test the ability of different objects to conduct electricity?
- 27. Multiple Choice
Suppose we had a long length of electrical cable (flexible tubing containing multiple wires) that we suspected had some broken wires in it. Design a simple testing circuit that could be used to check each of the cable’s wires individually.
- 28. Multiple Choice
How long will it take for the light bulb to receive electrical power once the battery is connected to the rest of the circuit?
5 milliseconds
0.01027
0.00012 seconds
11 milliseconds
- 29. Multiple Choice
A 22-gauge metal wire three feet in length contains approximately 28.96 ×1021 “free” electrons within its volume. Suppose this wire is placed in an electric circuit conducting a current equal to 6.25 ×1018electrons per second. That is, if you were able to choose a spot along the length of this wire and were able to count electrons as they drifted by that spot, you would tally 6,250,000,000,000,000,000 electrons passing by each second. (This is a reasonable rate for electric current in a wire of this size.)
Calculate the average velocity of electrons through this wire.
Reveal answer
6.47 ×20^-4 feet per second
0.000647 feet per second
0.000647
6.47 x 10^-5 feet per second
- 30. Multiple Choice
What do the symbols with the question marks next to them refer to? In the circuit shown, would the light bulb be energized?
Ground symbols; no
Ground symbols; yes
- 31. Multiple Choice
Shown here is a simplified representation of an electrical power plant and a house, with the source of electricity shown as a battery, and the only electrical “load” in the house being a single light bulb:
Why would anyone use two wires to conduct electricity from a power plant to a house, as shown, when they could simply use one wire and a pair of ground connections, like this?
Because earth (dirt) is not a good enough conductor
Because the dirt acts like a resistor and takes away most of the energy from the user
- 32. Multiple Choice
What, exactly, is a short circuit? What does it mean if a circuit becomes shorted? How does this differ from an open circuit?
Reveal answer
A short circuit is a circuit having very little resistance, permitting large amounts of current. If a circuit becomes shorted, it means that a path for current formerly possessing substantial resistance has been bypassed by a path having negligible (almost zero) resistance.
Conversely, an open circuit is one where there is a break preventing any current from going through at all.
A open circuit is a circuit having very little resistance, permitting large amounts of current. If a circuit becomes shorted, it means that a path for current formerly possessing substantial resistance has been bypassed by a path having negligible (almost zero) resistance.
Conversely, an closed circuit is one where there is a break preventing any current from going through at all.
- 33. Multiple Choice
What would have to happen in this circuit for it to become shorted? In other words, determine how to make a short circuit using the components shown here: (Choose 2 answers)
- 34. Multiple Choice
When lightning strikes, nearby magnetic compass needles may be seen to jerk in response to the electrical discharge. No compass needle deflection results during the accumulation of electrostatic charge preceding the lightning bolt, but only when the bolt actually strikes. What does this phenomenon indicate about voltage, current, and magnetism?
The presence of an electric current will produce a magnetic field, but the mere presence of a voltage will not.
The presence of an electric current will not produce a magnetic field, but the mere presence of a voltage will do so.
- 35. Multiple Choice
Just as electricity may be harnessed to produce magnetism, magnetism may also be harnessed to produce electricity. The latter process is known as electromagnetic induction. Design a simple experiment to explore the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. Explain how to demonstrate it too.
Perhaps the easiest way to demonstrate electromagnetic induction is to build a simple circuit formed from a coil of wire and a sensitive electrical meter (a digital meter is preferred for this experiment), then move a magnet past the wire coil.
- 36. Multiple Choice
A large audio speaker may serve to demonstrate both the principles of electromagnetism and of electromagnetic induction. Explain how this may be done.
The “voice coil” is attached to the flexible speaker cone, and is free to move along the long axis of the magnet. The magnet is stationary, being solidly anchored to the metal frame of the speaker, and is centered in the middle of the voice coil.
- 37. Multiple Choice
What do you think might happen if someone were to gently tap on the cone of one of these speakers? What would the other speaker do? In terms of electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction, explain what is happening.
The two speakers would call and receive messages from each message. This means that the field is in turn attracted to and repelled from the permanent magnet, vibrating back and forth. True
False
- 38. Multiple Choice
Suppose someone mechanically couples an electric motor to an electric generator, then electrically couples the two devices together in an effort to make a perpetual-motion machine:
Why won’t this assembly spin forever, once started?
This will not work because electric power to the motor is coming from the output of generator. This means it is a perpetual machine, which is impossible.
This will not work because neither the motor nor the generator is 100% efficient.
It can spin forever once started
This will not work as the the motor cannot electrically power the generator.
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