Electricity
A generic term that is often used to mean many different things.
For example
The electricity is out.
The circuit is not complete because the electricity can’t flow.
Turn off the light in your room when you leave to save electricity
This battery is out of electricity
An unplugged guide to electricity
Do not use. Be more specific in your language
Energy
Energy is
“electricity” … “the stuff in batteries” –Nathan’s 9 year old daughter
the ability to do work. In this case, the ability to push electrons through a circuit.
the voltage times the amount of charge.
Measured in
Joules or Kilowatt-Hours
Analogy
Height of waterfall and amount of water behind the waterfall.
Facts:
Comes in different types- Electric potential, kinetic, gravitational, thermal.
The total energy in the universe cannot be created or destroyed. It only changes form.
Power
Power is
how quickly the energy is changing form or being “used”. P=∆E/∆t
equals current times voltage, P=IV
Measured in
Joules per Second, Watts, KiloWatts or MegaWatts
Analogy
How quickly the water is leaving the waterfall.
Voltage
Voltage is
The push/pull that makes the electrons move
Electric pressure
difference in electric potential energy per charge between two points.
Measured in
Volts
Analogy
Height of the waterfall
Current
Current is
The amount of charge per time moving through a material.
Measured in
Amperes or Amps
Analogy
Speed of the water flowing over the waterfall
Resistance
Resistance is
How hard it is for electrons to move.
the voltage divided by the current in a circuit.
R=V/I
Measured in
Ohms
Analogy
Size of the dam at the top of the falls
Alternating Current
AC is
The electrons vibrate back and forth
Current that switches direction over time
Facts
US current switches 60 times per second or 60 Hz
Championed by Tesla
Direct Current
DC is
Current that stays steady over time
Facts
Championed by Edison
Transformer
A transformer is
a set of two coils of wire used to increase or decrease the voltage and current in a circuit
Step up Transformer
Increases voltage
Decreases current
Has more secondary coils than primary coils
Step down Transformer
Decrease voltage
Increase current
Has less secondary coils than primary coils
Source: Evans-Brown, Sam. “An Unplugged Guide to Energy in NH”. New Hampshire Magazine, March 2016.
Sometimes we come across words that change meaning, depending upon "context" -- where and how they are used. Example: anchor
"Throw the anchor overboard so our boat doesn't drift."
"The television anchor for last night's soccer match was great!"
"This anchor text by Sam Evans-Brown provides a solid foundation for understanding energy issues in NH."
Additionally, we you may come across words that are less familiar, or are used in a specific field of study. Example: contiguous
“The contiguous states in the USA are the 48 states that share common borders."
Here are definitions for these types of words in our anchor text that might need a bit of explanation:
alternate (verb): to move back and forth indefinitely between two or more conditions, places, or actions
capacity (noun): the total measured amount that can be contained
circuit (noun): the closed path followed by an electric current
consume (verb): to use up
consumer (noun): one who purchases (uses) goods or services
contiguous (adjective): in contact; touching; adjoining
conversion (noun): something that has been modified or adapted to make it suitable for new or different purposes
distributive (adjective): dividing or distributing, or of or involving distribution
facility (noun): a place planned or constructed for a specific activity
generation (noun): the act or process of generating or creating
generator (noun): a machine that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy
incentive (noun): something that motivates one to work or act
infrastructure (noun): the basic facilities and equipment that are necessary for a system or organization to function
soiree (noun): a party or social gathering held in the evening
spike (verb): to rise or increase sharply
transformer (noun): a device that transfers electric current from one circuit or set of circuits to another by means of electromagnetic induction usually for the purpose of changing voltage
variable (adjective): something that tends to change or vary
wonk (noun): a person who takes an excessive interest in a specific subject or policy