Using Electrical Energy

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Electrical Energy Noun

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[ih-lek-tri-kuhl en-er-jee]

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Electrical Energy

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The energy derived from the movement of electric charges, which can be converted into other forms of energy.

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Example: A generator converts the mechanical energy of a spinning wire coil into electrical energy, which flows through the circuit to light up the bulb.

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Radiant Energy Noun

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[rey-dee-uhnt en-er-jee]

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Radiant Energy

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Energy that travels by waves or particles, particularly electromagnetic radiation such as light, radio waves, and X-rays.

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Example: This diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum, the different types of radiant energy, from long-wavelength radio waves to short-wavelength gamma rays.

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Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

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Thermal Energy

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The internal energy of an object due to the kinetic energy of its atoms and molecules, often perceived as heat.

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Example: Adding thermal energy from an electric heat source makes water particles move faster, showing how heat increases the kinetic energy of a substance.

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Efficiency Noun

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[ih-fish-uhn-see]

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Efficiency

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The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input, measuring how well energy is converted to a desired form.

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Example: This energy rating label shows how efficient an appliance is, from most efficient (A+++, green) to least efficient (D, red), relating to electrical energy use.

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Resistance Noun

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[ri-zis-tuhns]

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Resistance

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A measure of the opposition to the flow of electric current through a material, measured in units called ohms.

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Example: This diagram shows a simple circuit where the light bulb (R) provides resistance, opposing the flow of electrical current (I) from the battery (V).

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Resistor Noun

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[ri-zis-ter]

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Resistor

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An electrical component specifically designed to introduce a precise amount of electrical resistance into a circuit.

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Example: This image shows a physical resistor, an electrical component that limits current, and its corresponding symbol used in circuit diagrams.

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Current Noun

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[kur-uhnt]

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Current

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The rate of flow of electric charge through a conductor or circuit, measured in units called amperes (A).

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Example: This diagram shows a simple circuit where an electric current, the flow of charged particles, travels from a battery through a conductor to power a light bulb.

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Power Noun

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[pou-er]

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Power

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The rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed from one form to another, measured in watts (W).

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Example: Turning the crank provides mechanical energy to a generator, which converts it into electrical energy to light up the bulb, demonstrating electrical power.

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Potential Difference Noun

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[puh-ten-shuhl dif-er-uhns]

Back

Potential Difference

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The difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in a circuit, also known as voltage.

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Example: This circuit diagram shows potential difference as the 'pressure' drop between a higher potential point (P) and a lower potential point (Q) across a bulb.

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Superconductor Noun

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[soo-per-kuhn-duhk-ter]

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Superconductor

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A material that exhibits zero electrical resistance when cooled below a certain critical temperature, allowing current to flow without energy loss.

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Example: This graph shows that when a superconductor is cooled below a specific critical temperature (Tc), its electrical resistivity suddenly drops to zero, unlike a normal metal.