Electrical Engineering Essentials: Key Terms and Concepts

1. What is a circuit breaker?

An automatic device for stopping the flow of current in an electric circuit as a safety measure.

A type of switch used for turning on and off lights.

A person hired to fix electrical circuits.

A tool used to cut wires in an electrical circuit.

A circuit breaker is designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current flow. It automatically interrupts the flow of electricity to prevent short circuits, overloads, or other electrical faults.

Explanation

A circuit breaker is designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current flow. It automatically interrupts the flow of electricity to prevent short circuits, overloads, or other electrical faults.

2. What is an electric shock?

A sudden discharge of electricity through a part of the body.

A sudden discharge of fire through a part of the body.

A sudden discharge of air through a part of the body.

A sudden discharge of water through a part of the body.

An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with a source of electricity, causing a sudden discharge of electricity through a part of the body. This can result in varying degrees of injury depending on the voltage and duration of the shock.

Explanation

An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with a source of electricity, causing a sudden discharge of electricity through a part of the body. This can result in varying degrees of injury depending on the voltage and duration of the shock.

3. What is a fuse?

A type of explosive device used in demolitions.

A type of candle used for lighting purposes.

A type of food ingredient used in baking recipes.

A fuse is a safety device used in electrical systems to prevent overloading and ensure safety by breaking the circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.

Explanation

A fuse is a safety device used in electrical systems to prevent overloading and ensure safety by breaking the circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.

4. What is ground in electrical engineering?

Ground is a term used to describe a feeling of being well-connected with nature.

Ground is a synonym for an airplane landing.

Ground is a type of seasoning commonly used in cooking.

Ground in electrical engineering serves as a reference point, return path for electric current, or a physical connection to the Earth for various purposes within electrical circuits.

Explanation

Ground in electrical engineering serves as a reference point, return path for electric current, or a physical connection to the Earth for various purposes within electrical circuits.

5. What is an open circuit?

A circuit with too much current flowing through it.

A circuit where the voltage is constant.

An electrical circuit that is not complete.

A circuit that only allows electricity to flow in one direction.

An open circuit is a circuit that is incomplete, meaning that there is a break or gap in the path of the circuit which prevents current from flowing.

Explanation

An open circuit is a circuit that is incomplete, meaning that there is a break or gap in the path of the circuit which prevents current from flowing.

6. What is a short circuit?

A parallel circuit with equal resistance.

An open circuit with no electrical connectivity.

A long circuit with high resistance.

A short circuit occurs when there is a lower resistance path for the current to flow than the intended normal circuit. This can lead to excessive current flow, overheating, and potential damage to the device or components involved.

Explanation

A short circuit occurs when there is a lower resistance path for the current to flow than the intended normal circuit. This can lead to excessive current flow, overheating, and potential damage to the device or components involved.

7. What is an electric current?

The speed of light in a vacuum.

None of the above

A flow of water in a pipe.

The force of gravity on an object.

An electric current specifically refers to the flow of electric charge, not other types of flow or forces.

Explanation

An electric current specifically refers to the flow of electric charge, not other types of flow or forces.

8. What is a ground-fault circuit interrupter often referred to as?

Voltage Regulator

Circuit Breaker

Power Surge Protector

A ground-fault circuit interrupter is designed to protect against electric shock by monitoring the imbalance of current between the ungrounded (hot) and grounded (neutral) conductors. It is commonly known by its various names such as GFCI, GFI, or ALCI.

Explanation

A ground-fault circuit interrupter is designed to protect against electric shock by monitoring the imbalance of current between the ungrounded (hot) and grounded (neutral) conductors. It is commonly known by its various names such as GFCI, GFI, or ALCI.

9. What is Alternating Current?

A direct current that flows in one direction only.

A type of energy derived from wind or solar power.

An electric current that reverses its direction many times a second at regular intervals, typically used in power supplies.

A type of circuit that is disconnected from a power source.

Alternating Current is a type of electric current that changes direction periodically. Unlike Direct Current that flows in one direction only, Alternating Current is commonly used in power supplies due to its ability to be easily converted to different voltage levels.

Explanation

Alternating Current is a type of electric current that changes direction periodically. Unlike Direct Current that flows in one direction only, Alternating Current is commonly used in power supplies due to its ability to be easily converted to different voltage levels.

10. What is an Ampere?

A unit of electric current equal to a flow of one coulomb per second.

A unit of electrical resistance.

A unit of energy measurement.

A unit of magnetic field strength.

An Ampere is a unit of electric current, specifically equal to a flow of one coulomb per second. It is not a unit of electrical resistance, energy measurement, or magnetic field strength.

Explanation

An Ampere is a unit of electric current, specifically equal to a flow of one coulomb per second. It is not a unit of electrical resistance, energy measurement, or magnetic field strength.

11. What does an adapter do?

An adapter is used to convert digital media files into physical formats.

An adapter is a tool used for adjusting the fit of clothing or accessories.

An adapter is a device that helps improve internet connectivity in dead zones.

A two-to-three wire device which makes it possible to use a grounding wire in a two socket outlet.

An adapter, in the context of electrical devices, refers to a specific device used to enable the use of grounding wires in outlets that lack this feature.

Explanation

An adapter, in the context of electrical devices, refers to a specific device used to enable the use of grounding wires in outlets that lack this feature.