3.7.4

Electrical Work

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Electrical Work

In an electrical circuit, the energy source (battery or power supply) makes a current flow.

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Charge flow

  • Charge flows from the energy source and through the rest of the circuit and its components, like lamps and heaters.
  • The flow of current transfers energy from the energy source to the components.
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Energy transfer

  • The components then transfer energy to their surroundings.
  • For example, a lamp emits light into its surroundings.

Power

Power (P) is the rate of energy transfer to a component.

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Power

  • The power of a component is equal to the current through the component multiplied by the potential difference across the component.
  • P = I x V.
  • We know V = IR, so power can also be calculated by:
    • P = I2R
Illustrative background for Total energy transferIllustrative background for Total energy transfer ?? "content

Total energy transfer

  • The total energy transferred to a component is equal to the power multiplied by the time a current flows for.
  • E = P x t.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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