Electricity 101 Resistance, Types of Electricity, and Sources
Terms | Circuit Elements | Voltage
Amperage | Wattage | Resistance | Electricity Types | Electricity Sources
RESISTANCE
Resistance is the force that reduces or stops the flow of electrons. It opposes voltage.
Higher resistance will decrease the flow of electrons and lower resistance will allow more electrons to flow.
Infinite Resistance:
so much resistance that current cannot flow through the circuit ("open circuit.")
Zero Resistance:
no resistance and current can flow through the circuit ("closed circuit")
MEASUREMENT
An OHMMETER measures the resistance of an electrical circuit or component. No voltage can be applied while the ohmmeter is connected, or damage to the meter will occur.
Example: Water flows through a garden hose, and someone steps on the hose. The greater the pressure placed on the hose, the greater the hose restriction and the less water flows.
RESISTANCE UNITS
Resistance is measured in units called OHMS.
Resistance measurements can use different value prefixes, such as Kilo ohm (K 1,000) and Megaohms (M 1,000,000).
RESISTANCE FACTORS
Various factors can affect the resistance. These include:
LENGTH of the conductor. The longer the conductor, the higher the resistance.
DIAMETER of the conductor. The narrower the conductor, the higher the resistance.
TEMPERATURE of the material. Depending on the material, most will increase resistance as temperature increases.
PHYSICAL CONDITION (DAMAGE) to the material. Any damage will increase resistance.
TYPE of MATERIAL used. Various materials have a wide range of resistances.
click here for a more in depth look at resistance.
TYPES of ELECTRICITY
There are two basic types of Electricity classifications:
STATIC ELECTRICITY:
is electricity that is standing still. Voltage potential with NO electron flow.
DYNAMIC ELECTRICITY:
is electricity that is in motion. Voltage potential WITH electron flow.
Two types of Dynamic electricity exist:
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)
Electricity with electrons flowing back and forth, negative - positive- negative, is called Alternating Current, or AC. The electrical appliances in your home use AC power.
DIRECT CURRENT (DC)
Electricity with electrons flowing in only one direction is called Direct Current or DC.
DC electrical systems are used in cars.
SOURCES of ELECTRICITY
Electricity can be created by several means: Friction, Heat, Light, Pressure, Chemical Action, or Magnetic Action.
A battery produces electricity through chemical action; an alternator produces electricity through magnetic action.
Friction creates static electricity.
Heat can act upon a device called a thermo couple (used by most pilot driven safety valves) to create >DC current.
Light applied to photoelectric (solar panels) materials will produce DC electricity .
Pressure applied to a piezoelectric material will produce DC electricity.
Chemical Action of certain chemicals can also create electricity.
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