Generating and Using Electricity
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Transcript Generating and Using Electricity
Generating and Using
Electricity
Direct Current and
Alternating Current
The current from a cell is called direct
current
The electrons only travel in one
direction in DC
Alternating current (AC) is when the
electrons move back and forth in a
circuit.
AC is the type of current that is
delivered to our homes and schools.
Advantages of AC
We can transmit extremely high voltage
electrical energy which saves on loss of
energy as heat.
Our homes use a lot less potential
difference than that which travels
through transmission tower wires.
In order to use this energy, we need to
change the size of potential difference
of the alternating current using a
transformer.
Transformers cannot work with direct
current.
The Meter
From a transformer, three wires go into our
homes.
Two are live and insulated carrying the
alternating current
The third is the ground which is neutral and not
insulated.
The meter registers the amount of energy that
is used in your home.
After passing through the meter, the electrical
supply is connected to a distribution panel.
The panel consists of either circuit breakers or
fuses for safety.
Safety
Ground fault circuit interrupter has a
small circuit breaker if there is any
difference in current between the right
and left slot. Used when near water.
Surge protector prevents damage to
circuits in electronic devices during
power surges caused by lightning.
Power Ratings
A factor that affects the amount of
electricity used in your home is the
power ratings of your appliances
Electrical Power is its rate of use of
electricity and is measured in
watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) which
is 1000 watts
Amount of Use
Electrical energy that is used is
calculated by multiplying the
power rating of an appliance by
the amount of time it is used for.
Measured in kilowatt hours (kWh)
The cost of electrical energy
depends on the amount of energy
used and the price per kWh.
Sample Problem
A hair dryer is rated at 1200W. It is used for 10
min each school day, when the cost of electrical
energy is $0.088/kWh. What is the cost of using
the hair dryer on all five school days during one
week.
Power = 1200W = 1.2 kW
Time= 10 min= 0.166h x 5 days= 0.833h
Energy used= Power x time
= 1.2kW x 0.83h
= 1.0 kWh
Rate = $0.088/kWh
Cost = energy use x rate
= 1.0 kWh X $0.088/kWh
= $0.088
You Try it!
P. 495 #1-5
Phantom Loads
The electricity that is used by an
appliance when it is turned off.
A stand-by mode
Something that is turned on by a
remote
Clock displays on microwave,
coffee maker, etc.
Efficiency
The ratio of useful energy output to total
energy input, expressed as a percentage.
Percent = useful energy output x 100%
efficiency
total energy input
You Try It!
P. 498 #1-4
P. 500 #1,2,4-6,8,9.