Electrical Energy in the Home

Society has become increasing dependent on electricity over the last 200 years
1.1

Discuss how the main sources of domestic energy have changed over time
o

1.2

1.3

First main sources of domestic energy was wood then animals,

wind and water and then fuels like coal, gas and oil

Assess some of the impacts of changes in, and increased access to, sources
of energy for a community
o

Pollution

Increases standard of living

Lighting and heat

More demand for products

Effects the environment

Greater freedoms

Greater access to communication devices

Discuss some ways in which electricity can be provided in remote

locations
o

Generators

Solar

Wind

Geothermal

Wave/water

Human

One of the main advantages of electricity is that is can be moved with

comparative ease from one place to another through electric circuits
1.1

Describe the behaviour of electrostatic charges and the properties of the

fields associated with them
o

Electric charge is when a electron and protons exert a force on

one another

2.2:

Like Charges Repel, Unlike Charges Attract

Excess electrons = negative charge

Excess protons = positive charge

The charge from this is an electrostatic charge

Define the unit of electric charge as the coulomb

Coulomb is the SI unit for electric charges

2.3:

Is the amount of electric charge passing through a point every second

when a current of one AMP through that point

1C = 1 AMP/ second

IC = 6.2x10 6 ^ -19

Micro Coulombs = UC

Define the electric field as a field of force with a field strength equal to the
force per unit charge at that point

o An electric field is a region around an electrically charged object where a

positively charged object will experience a force
o The force on a charge is proportional to the electrical field strength (E) at
that point and the charge placed in the electrical field (q)
o Direction is the direction the force would act on a positively charge placed
in the field
o A negative charge force is in the opposite direction to the field
o SI Unit:
2.4:

Newtons/Coulombs (NC^-1)

Define electric current as the rate at which charge flows (coulombs/second

or amperes) under the influence of an electric field
o Electric Current is the rate at which charge flows under the influence of an
electric field.
o Moving charges are called charge carriers

o Conventional current moves from positive to negative while electron

movement is in the opposite direction but the flow of electrons is negative
to positive
o Electrical currents flow in the direction of the electric field
2.5:

2.6:

Identify that current can be either direct with net flow of charge carriers
moving in one direction or alternating with the charge carriers moving
backwards and forwards periodically
o Direct Current:

involves the net movement of charge carriers (electrons)

along a conductor. The electrons move in the opposite
direction to the direction of the electric field

o Alternating:

involves the oscillation of electrons due to an electric

field constantly changing direction e.g. generators

Describe electrical Potential Difference (Voltage) between two points as

the points change in potential energy per unit charge moving from one
point to the other (joules / Coulomb or volts)
o The potential Difference across the power supply is the potential rise
across the power supply.
o The potential drop is the potential difference across a resistor
o Potential difference is the work done per unit charge and is expressed as
joules / coulomb

o V=W
Q
2.7:

Discuss how potential difference changes between different points around

a DC circuit
o The potential difference across the power supply is equal to the sum of the
potential difference across the resistors in a series circuit
o The potential difference in a parallel circuit is the same as the potential
difference across the power supply

2.8:

Identify the difference between conductors and insulators

o A conductor is a material which contains charge carriers and allow
particles to move through them

o An insulator is a material containing no charge carriers and dont allow

movement of charged particles
2.9:
1
1
1
1

R R1 R 2 R3

Define resistance as the ratio of voltage to current for a particular

conductor
V
R R1 R 2 R3

R=

o The resistance of a resistor is the potential difference across the resistor

divided by the current passing through the resistor
o A resistor is an electrical component that limits or reduces current flow.
The unit for resistance is Ohms
o Resistors that obey Ohms law are called Ohmic resistors, their graph of V
vs. I will be a straight line where gradient = their constant resistance.
2.10: Describe qualitatively how each of the following affects the movement of
electricity through a conductor
o Length: The longer the wire is, the greater the chance of a collision
between the free electron and an ion in the lattice. Hence, the longer a wire
R1 1
the greater the resistance R

R2 2
o Cross sectional area: The Smaller the area of the cross-section of the
wire, the greater the chance of a collision with an ion in the lattice, hence
the smaller the area of the1 cross section, the greater the resistance.
R

R1
A1

R2
A2

o Temperature: The higher the temperature of a conductor, the greater the

resistance because when the temp is higher the ions in the lattice vibrate
with greater amplitude, increasing the chance of a collision between a free
electron and an ion in the lattice.
o Material: When a free electron is drifting through a wire, the chance of
collision with an ion in a lattice depends on what material the wire is made
of. Materials with a lower resistance are better conductors.
2.11: Identify materials that are commonly used as conductors to provide
household electricity
o Copper: is mainly used due to the fact that it hosts little resistance (i.e. is a
good conductor) and does not carry high currents therefore is safer in
terms of an overload.

o Silver: is occasionally used in some high quality electronic equipment due

to its higher conductivity but it is not used widely due to its high price.
o Aluminium: is not as good a conductor as silver or copper but it is used in
the wires for overhead power line distribution because of its light weight.
The light weight allows the supporting structures to be placed further apart
and this reduces the overall cost.
Series and Parallel circuits serve different purposes in households
3.1:

Identify the difference between series and parallel circuits

3.2:

Compare parallel and series circuits in terms of voltage across

components and current through them
Series:
o Circuit connected end to end with only one possible path
o Each resistor carries the same current regardless of the resistor value
and this current value equal to the current supplied to that part of the
circuit
o Each resistor in series has its own voltage drop and the sum of the
voltage drops equals the voltage supplied V V 1 V 2 V 3
Parallel:
o A parallel circuit is a closed circuit in which the current divides into
two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit.
o Each resistor in parallel has its own current and the sum of the current
V V1 V 2 V 3
values equals the current supplied.
o Each resistor in parallel has the same voltage drop regardless of the
resistor value and the voltage drop in each parallel resistor equals the
voltage supplied.

Parallel Circuit

Series Circuit
3.3:

Identify uses of ammeters and voltmeters

3.4:

Explain why ammeters and voltmeters are connected differently in a

circuit

Ammeter:
o An ammeter is a device used to measure the current in an electrical
circuit (measured in amperes or amps).
o Ammeters are placed in series in a circuit because they measure the
rate at which charge flows, which does not decrease as it passes
through a resistor.
Voltmeter:
o A voltmeter is a device used to measure the potential difference across
a component or components across a circuit (measures in volts).
o A voltmeter is placed in parallel to the component which we are
required to measure the potential difference across, because a
voltmeter measures the difference in potential energy.
o This is the potential energy before the component minus the potential
energy after the component which is the potential difference.
3.5:

Explain why there are difficult circuits for lighting, heating and other
appliances in a house
o There are different circuits for lighting, heating and other appliances
because:
a) Each circuit is designed to carry a certain maximum current and it varies
amongst the circuits based on the requirements for individual appliances.
Exerting the maximum current could cause a circuit overload, which can
lead to a fire.
b) The amount of current that passes through also influences the wires
needed. For circuits that require more current require larger wires, so the
resistance decreases, which decreases the heat generated. This means that
there is a lower chance of a fire.
c) Also, separate circuits are used to decrease the chance of short circuits

The Amount of Power is related to the rate at which Energy is transformed

4.1:

Explain that power rate at which energy is transformed from one form to
another.
o

Power: the rate which energy is transformed from one form to another,
or the rate energy is supplied to a device

4.2:

Energy = joules
Time = seconds
Power = joules/sec or watts

P = Power
I = Current
V = Voltage

P = IV

Identify the relationship between power potential difference and current

o

The current is I amps, therefore I coulombs of charge pass through the

resistor in one second. Each coulomb of charge passing through the
resistor dissipates V joules of electric potential energy. Therefore, in one
second, VI joules of electric energy are dissipated. Power dissipated in a
resistor is the number of joules of energy dissipated in one second

The relationship between work and voltage is shown below

o
4.3:

W =qV
Substituting qV in to the work time formula you get.
P = qV/t
But I = q/t
Hence P = IV
o Q = potential energy

Power is the product of the voltage across the device and the current
flowing through it.

Identify the total amount of energy used depends on the length of time,
the amount current is flowing and be calculated using energy = VIT
o The total amount of energy depends on time and the amount of current

o E = VIT

4.4:

E = Energy
V = Voltage
I = Current
T = Time

Explain why the kilowatt hour is used to measure electrical energy

consumption rather than the joule
o Kilowatts are used due to large amount of electricity used

o One Kilowatt hour can be defined as the amount of energy used by a one
kilowatt device in one hour.
o Energy in Kilo hours = power in kilowatts x time in hours

o W = Pt
Electric Currents also produce magnetic fields and these fields are used in
different devices in the home
5.1:

Describe the behaviour of the magnetic poles of bar magnets when they
are brought close together
o When to magnetic poles are together, they exert a force on each other
o Two of the same poles repel each other
o A North and a South pole attract each other
o Like poles repel each other, opposite poles attract each other
o Closer = stronger the force of attraction or repulsion
o There will be four different pairs of forces between the poles resulting with
either attraction or repulsion
o A pair with equal and opposite magnetic poles is called a magnetic dipole

5.2:

define the direction of the magnetic field at a point as the direction of

force on a very small north magnetic pole when placed at that point
o The direction of a magnetic field is given by the direction of the force on
the North Pole of a compass needle when placed at that point in the
magnetic field.

5.3:

describe the magnetic field around pairs of magnetic poles

o Magnetic fields, B. Magnetic fields are measure in Teslas, T.

5.4:

describe the production of a magnetic field by an electric current in a

straight current carrying conductor and describe how the right hand grip
rule can determine the direction of current and field lines
o When current is passed through a conductor, a magnetic field is created
around it. The direction of the magnetic field can be found using the right
hand rule.
o Point your right hand thumb in the direction of the current and the
direction of your fingers is the direction of the magnetic field.

5.5:

Compare the nature and generation of magnetic fields by solenoids and a

bar magnet
o A solenoid is a coil of insulated wire of many turns. It is long compared to
its diameter. A current through the solenoid will produce a magnetic field
and the direction of the field can be determined by the solenoid rule.
o Grip the solenoid with the fingers wrapped around the solenoid pointing in
the direction of the current. The thumb will point to the north pole of the
solenoid.
o The lines of magnetic flux are continuous and the direction of the magnetic
field is from north to south outside the solenoid but from south to north
inside the solenoid.
o When a current flows into the Solenoid it produces a magnetic field around
the coil which is similar to that of a bar magnet.
o Frenchman Ampere stated that as the solenoids field arose as a result of a
current, then the field of a bar magnet must also be due to tiny current
loops in the bar.

5.8:

identify data sources, gather, process and analyse information to explain

one application of magnetic fields in household appliances
o Inside a speaker, the voice coil is an electromagnet (a long coil of wire that
is wrapped around a piece of magnetic metal such as iron). When current
is passed through the coil, a magnetic field is created around the coil and
magnetizing the metal which it is wrapped around.
o the magnetic field around the electromagnet can alter the orientation of the
pole, hence constantly reversing the flow of electricity. This means that the
electrons also, keep alternating direction.

o The permanent magnet under the voice coil interacts with the
electromagnet. When there is current passing through the electromagnet, it
alternates direction many times per second.
o The positive end of the electromagnet is attracted to the negative pole of
the permanent magnet, but when the polar orientation of the electromagnet
switches, so too does the direction of repulsion and attraction.
o This pushes the voice coil back and forward like a piston, which vibrates
the air in front of the speaker, creating sound waves. The speed at which
the coil vibrates changes the frequency and the amplitude of the wave
produced by the diaphragm.

Safety devices are important in household circuits

6.1:

Discuss the dangers of an electrical shock from both a 240 volt AC mains
supply and varies DC voltages, from appliances on the Muscles of the
body
o An electric shock or electrocution occurs when a large current passes
through the body. This current depending on the strength will cause a
disturbance of the nervous system why will often produce effects on the
muscles of the body, or in more severe cases cause death (often due to
heart failure).
o In the house hold an electric shock will often occur when a person comes
into contact with a live wire and the earth (a connection is made between
the live wire and the earth with the person in between acting as a wire).
o The Effect of DC voltages: An electric current passed through the body
can cause muscles to contract. This may seem harmless but if the muscles
for example used in breathing are involved affects can be disastrous, Often
the occupant will be unable to breath and may cause death due to lack of
oxygen to the brain
o The effect of AC voltages

6.2 - Describe the Functions of circuit breakers, fuses, earthing, double insulation
and other safety devices
o In household circuits a number of safety methods are employed to ensure the
occupants safety:
o -Double Insulation: In a household all wires a required to be covered by an
electrical insulator i.e. PVC, however some appliances such as electric
shavers which are often very close to water have double insulation both on
the inside and outside of the device. This safety measure is put into place so
that the user is protected in a case where the inner insulation fails.
o -Fuses: Fuses are used to prevent overloading of household circuits. A fuse
is effectively a resistor with a very low melting point it is inserted in the
household circuit in a series. If the resistance gets two high the fuse melts
and the circuit is broken. This technique is employed to prevent the wires
running through the house from heating up excessively and setting the house
of fire.

o -Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers essentially have the same function as a

fuse but instead of melting when the current is high, a electromagnet breaks
the circuit, the advantage of a circuit breaker is that it can be reset.
o -Earth Wire: An earth wires function is to provide protection to the
occupants of a household from electric shock when using an appliance.
o When household wiring is installed, a good conductor is used to
connect the fuse box to the earth. At the fuse box the wire corning from
the earth is (a) connected to the neutral wire from the electricity supply
and (b) connected to earth wires that go from the fuse box to each
power outlet.

o Power outlets have three wires connected to them from the fuse box
the; active wire, the neutral wire and the earth wire

o Most appliances are connected to the powder outlet by a three-point

plug, connected to a lead containing three wires which continue the
active, neutral and earth wires to the appliance.

o The active and neutral wires provide power to the appliance. The earth
wire is connected to the casing of the appliance. The earth wire
provides protection in case the active wire comes in contact with the
casing of the' appliance unless has double insulation

o -Residual Current Device: A residual current device (RCD) detects any

leakage of current to the earth either through your body or through some
other conductor. It is designed to switch off the current very quickly before it
reaches a harmful level. Sometimes an RCD is called a safety switch. An
RCD reduces the risk of electric shock. (However it will not protect you in
all instances.) An RCD must be installed as standard fuse-box equipment in
all new houses and buildings.