Research Check 13

- electron flow can be induced by moving a wire near a magnet and is called electromagnetic induction.
- alternating current is constantly changing and it's strength cannot be described with a single number.
- a common way in which to describe the variations is to look at a waveform or the pattern of the current over time.
- instantaneous current is the strength of the current at a single point in time.
- peak current is the magnitude of the current at its highest and lowest points.
- when the change in electron flow makes a complete loop it is called a cycle.
- the number of cycles per second in ac is known as frequency and is measured in hertz.
- AC is usually generated at 13,800 volts and then stepped up for transmission across long distances.
- when it reaches its destination, it is stepped down to 240 volts or 120 volts for distribution to homes and businesses.
- heaters, lamps, hair dryers, and electric razors are some electrical devices that use 120 volts AC directly.
- clothes dryers use 240 volts AC directly from a special wall outlet.
- many electronic devices like laptops require a steady DC supply.
- if you're using AC to supply power an AC-to-DC adapter is required to convert the AC power to DC power.
- solar cells produce a small voltage when you shine light on them.
- the voltage of solar cells is constant no matter how much light you shine on them.
- conventional current is the flow of a positive charge from positive to negative voltage and is just the reverse of real electron flow.
- In AC current the current is constantly reversing direction.
- a light bulb converts electrical energy into heat energy.
- voltage is sometimes called voltage drop, potential difference, or potential drop.
- a fundamental law of physics is that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change form.