SNC1P Electricity Practice Test

Multiple Choice

Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

____ 1. Which type of energy comes from the flow of charged particles?

a. chemical b. thermal c. radiant d. electrical

____ 2. Which of the following is a device that produces electricity by rotating a wire coil near a magnet?

a. electrical energy distribution grid

b. generator

c. photovoltaic cell

d. thermal generation

____ 3. Which device changes light energy into electrical energy?

a. solar panel

b. wind turbine

c. car engine

d. light bulb

____ 4. Which device changes mechanical energy into electrical energy?

a. solar panel

b. wind turbine

c. car engine

d. light bulb

____ 5. A light bulb performs which energy transformation?

a. thermal energy mechanical energy and light energy

b. electrical energy thermal energy and light energy

c. mechanical energy thermal energy and sound energy

d. electrical energy mechanical energy and light energy

____ 6. This circle graph shows how Ontario’s electrical energy was generated in 2007. What percentage of Ontario’s

electrical energy was generated using non-renewable energy sources?

a. 8 %

b. 18 %

c. 52 %

d. 78 %

____ 7. Which statement is correct about using fossil fuels as an energy source?

a. Thermal generation using fossil fuels is much less expensive than other sources.

b. Thermal generation using fossil fuels is a renewable energy source.

c. Thermal generation using fossil fuels does not emit greenhouse gases.

d. Thermal generation using fossil fuels does not cause air pollution.

____ 8. Which statement is true about using nuclear fission as an energy source?

a. Nuclear fission does not directly emit greenhouse gases.

b. Nuclear fission is a renewable energy source.

c. Nuclear fission is much less expensive than other sources.

d. Nuclear fission does not cause air, water, or thermal pollution.

____ 9. Which statement is true about the use of wind generation as an energy source?

a. Wind is free and does not need to be transported.

b. Wind does not cause air, land, or noise pollution.

c. Wind farms only require a small area of land.

d. Wind farms do not disrupt the appearance of a natural landscape.

____ 10. A 1400 W dishwasher is used once each day for 2 hours. If the cost of electricity is $0.10 per kW•h, what

would be the cost per week (7 days) to run the dishwasher?

a. $2.80

b. $0.28

c. $1.96

d. $14.00

____ 11. A 1600 W hair dryer is used for 15 minutes each day. If the cost of electricity is $0.10 per kW•h, what would

be the cost per month (30 days) to run the hair dryer?

a. $1.20

b. $1.60

c. $0.04

d. $0.40

____ 12. Which statement is true about using fossil fuels as an energy source?

a. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source.

b. Thermal generation using fossil fuels is much more expensive than other energy sources.

c. Thermal generation using fossil fuels produces dangerous radioactive wastes.

d. Thermal generation using fossil fuels disrupts the natural water flow pattern.

____ 13. Which term describes electrical energy generated from falling water?

a. thermal generation

b. hydro-electric generation

c. geothermal generation

d. photovoltaic generation

____ 14. Which term describes an object that has more electrons than protons?

a. positively charged object

b. negatively charged object

c. neutral object

d. none of the above

____ 15. Which term describes an imbalance of electric charge at rest on the surface of an object?

a. grounding

b. static electricity

c. direct current

d. alternating current

____ 16. Which term describes the charging of two neutral objects made of different materials by rubbing them

together?

a. charging by friction

b. charging by conduction

c. charging by induction

d. grounding

____ 17. Which term describes the process of removing charges from objects by contact with a large, neutral object?

a. charging by friction

b. charging by conduction

c. grounding

d. induced charge separation

____ 18. Which term describes a material that allows electrons to move through it easily?

a. conductor

b. insulator

c. charged object

d. neutral object

____ 19. Which term describes a material that resists or blocks the flow of electrons through it?

a. insulator

b. conductor

c. charged object

d. neutral object

____ 20. Which term describes the flow of electricity through a conductor in a closed path?

a. electric force

b. electric charge

c. electric discharge

d. electric current

____ 21. The object shown here has what type of charge?

a. positive

b. negative

c. neutral

d. none of the above

____ 22. What will occur when the two objects shown here come in contact with each other?

a. Electrons will move from the rod to the sphere.

b. Electrons will move from the sphere to the rod.

c. Protons will move from the rod to the sphere.

d. Protons will move from the sphere to the rod.

____ 23. Which of the following is a conductor?

a. rubber

b. quartz

c. wood

d. nickel

____ 24. Which of the following is an insulator?

a. plastic

b. aluminum

c. graphite

d. human body

____ 25. What type of electricity is transported by the electrical energy distribution grid?

a. static electricity

b. direct current electricity

c. alternating current electricity

d. electric discharge

____ 26. What is lightning an example of?

a. charging by conduction

b. direct current electricity

c. alternating current electricity

d. electric discharge

____ 27. When a negatively charged rod comes in contact with a neutral sphere, the rod transfers electrons to the

sphere, which takes on a negative charge. What is this an example of?

a. charging by friction

b. charging by induction

c. charging by contact

d. grounding

____ 28. Which statement is true about neutral objects?

a. Neutral objects have more protons than electrons.

b. Neutral objects have fewer protons than electrons.

c. When a neutral object gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged.

d. A neutral object becomes positively charged by gaining protons.

____ 29. Which term describes a continuous path along which electrons can flow?

a. load

b. electric circuit

c. ampere

d. ammeter

____ 30. Which term describes a control device that allows you to safely open or close a circuit?

a. load

b. switch

c. energy source

d. conductor

____ 31. Which term describes a device that provides the electrical energy in a circuit?

a. load

b. switch

c. energy source

d. conductor

____ 32. What is an electrical outlet an example of?

a. load

b. switch

c. energy source

d. conductor

____ 33. What is a motor an example of?

a. load b. switch c. energy source d. conductor

____ 34. Which symbol represents an electric cell?

a.

b.

c.

d.

____ 35. What does this symbol represent?

a. electric cell

b. three-cell battery

c. variable DC power supply

d. connecting wire

____ 36. Which symbol represents a lamp?

a.

b.

c.

d.

____ 37. What does this symbol represent?

a. lamp

b. electric motor

c. connecting wire

d. closed switch

____ 38. Which symbol represents a control device?

a.

b.

c.

d.

____ 39. Which circuit diagram represents a series circuit?

a.

b.

c.

d.

____ 40. Which circuit diagram models a circuit with a two-cell battery, two lamps, and an open switch connected in

series?

a.

b.

c.

d.

____ 41. Which circuit diagram models a circuit with an electric cell, two lamps, and a closed switch connected in

parallel?

a.

b.

c.

d.

____ 42. Which material works well as an insulator in an electric circuit?

a. rubber

b. silver

c. copper

d. aluminum

Short Answer

43. Using the figure shown here, summarize how the electrical energy in our wall outlets is generated.

44. What steps do you think Ontario should take to become less dependent on non-renewable sources of energy?

45. What are some steps you already take in your daily life to reduce your consumption of energy? Based on the

information in this chapter, is there anything else you could do to limit the amount of electrical energy you

use daily?

46. You are choosing between two different dishwasher models. Both dishwashers have all the features you want.

One dishwasher costs $25 more than the other, but has the Energy Start symbol on the label. Which

dishwasher would you choose? Give an explanation for your answer.

47. A 1200 W dishwasher costs $420.00, while a similar 1600 W dishwasher costs $400.00. The dishwasher will

be used approximately 2 hours each day. If the current cost of electricity is $0.13 per kW•h, which dishwasher

will cost more in the first year? Explain your answer.

48. How your life would be affected if there was no more electricity?

49. Which energy source do you feel is the best source of energy for Ontario? Give a reason for your answer.

50. Do you think people should produce their own electricity? Explain your answer.

51. Explain why batteries cannot provide for all of our electricity needs.

52. Create a diagram to explain what will happen when the rod and ball shown here are brought near each other.

Justify your answer.

53. Create a diagram to explain what will happen when the rod and ball shown here are brought near each other.

Justify your answer.

54. What is the Law of Electric Charges? Many students have difficulty remembering these rules. What method

do you use to remember the Law of Electric Charges?

55. Explain what may cause you to feel a shock when you touch a metal doorknob.

56. Explain why your hair sticks to a plastic (polyethylene) comb. Use the

triboelectric series.

57. Why does paper get attracted to a rubber balloon? Create a drawing to justify your

answer. Use the triboelectric series.

58. Compare and contrast static electricity and current electricity. Use a Venn Diagram.

59. What type of circuit is shown here? Describe the components of this circuit.

60. Create a circuit diagram of a circuit with an electric cell, two lamps, and a closed switch connected in series.

61. What type of circuit is shown here? Explain your answer.

62. Create a circuit diagram of a circuit with an electric cell, two lamps, and a closed switch connected in parallel.

63. Many students have difficulty distinguishing between a series circuit and a parallel circuit. What method do

you use to help determine the difference between the two types of circuits?

64. Create a circuit diagram of a circuit with an electric cell, four lamps, and a closed switch connected in

parallel.

65. Create a circuit diagram of a circuit with a two-cell battery, two lamps, and an open switch connected in

parallel.

Multiple Choice Answer Section

1. D

2. B

3. A

4. B

5. B

6. D

7. A

8. A

9. A

10. C

11. A

12. A

13. B

14. B

1 1 5. B

16. A

17. C

18. A

19. A

20. D

21. B

22. A

23. D

24. A

25. C

26. D

27. C

28. C

29. B

30. B

31. C

32. C

33. A

34. A

35. B

36. D

37. B

38. C

39. A

40. A

41. C

42. A

SHORT ANSWER

43. At an electrical generating station, falling water or another source of mechanical energy spins a turbine that,

in turn, spins coils of wire located between magnets. When the wire coil rotates near the magnetic poles of the

magnets, the negatively charged particles in the wire are forced to move, generating electrical energy. This

energy is then distributed to our homes through the electrical energy distribution grid.

44. Answers will vary. Possible answer: In 2007, Ontario was producing 22 % of its electrical energy with

renewable energy sources. Hydro-electric generation and wind generation were already being used. I think

Ontario should expand on these sources of energy currently being used. We could construct more hydro-

electric generating stations and set up additional wind farms. Ontario should also explore other renewable

energy sources, such as geothermal generation, photovoltaic generation, and thermal generation using

biomass, to determine if any areas of Canada could benefit from these energy sources, as well.

45. Answers will vary. Possible answer: I already try to limit my energy consumption by using the “sleep” mode

on my computer during the day and turning it completely off at night. I also limit my use of electrical energy

by unplugging the charger for my cellphone, laptop, and MP3 player as soon as the device is finished

charging. In the future, I can further reduce my consumption of electrical energy by using power strips to plug

in my television, stereo, and DVD player and turning these strips off when I am not using the devices. I can

also turn lights off when I am not in a room, take shorter showers, and switch to energy efficient light bulbs.

46. I would choose the more expensive model, with the Energy Star symbol. This means the product is more

energy efficient. Even though the initial cost of the product is $25 more, this amount will quickly be

recovered because of the lower cost to operate the dishwasher. Over time, the Energy Star model will actually

save me money.

47. The 1600 W dishwasher for $400.00 will cost more in the first year. In addition to the initial charge of

$400.00, it will cost $116.80 to run the dishwasher for approximately 2 hours each day for a year. The total

cost of this dishwasher in one year is $516.80. The 1200 W dishwasher costs more initially, but the

approximate operating costs will be just $87.60 each year. The total cost of this dishwasher for the first year is

$507.60.

48. Answers will vary. Possible answer: We would have no lights, no air conditioning or heat, no water, and no

television or Internet. Most of the appliances we rely on every day require electricity. Life would be

drastically different without all the conveniences dependent upon electricity.

49. Answers will vary. Possible answer: I feel geothermal generation is the best alternative energy source for

Ontario. Geothermal energy is always present in the Earth’s crust. Geothermal fluids can be reheated and

reused, and geothermal generation does not produce pollution or greenhouse gases. Geothermal heat pumps

for an individual home or office are inexpensive and reliable.

50. Where it is possible, I think people should produce their own electricity through the use of solar panels or

wind turbines. When people produce their own electricity, it reduces the demand on large power plants. It also

reduces the amount of wiring and other construction needed because the generating source is at the same

location as where the energy is being used.

51. Batteries can be used for smaller devices, such as a wireless mouse or a flashlight. These devices might be

able to last several days on the amount of electricity provided by one or two batteries. Larger appliances, such

as large televisions, heating and cooling devices, and vacuum cleaners would need far too many batteries to

operate. The costs and the inconvenience of changing batteries would make the appliance unusable.

52.

The rod contains more electrons than protons; therefore, it is a negatively charged object. The ball contains

more protons than electrons, making it a positively charged object. According to the Law of Electric Charges,

objects with opposite charges attract each other. The rod and ball will attract each other.

53.

The rod and ball both contain more electrons than protons, which means both objects have a negative charge.

According to the Law of Electric Charges, objects with like charges repel each other. Therefore, the rod and

ball will repel each other.

54. Answers will vary. Possible answer: The Law of Electric Charges states that objects with opposite charges

attract each other, while objects with like charges repel each other. To remember the Law of Electric Charges,

I remember the saying “opposites attract.” This reminds me that opposite charges attract, and like charges

repel.

55. When you rub your socks across a carpet, electrons from the carpet may move to you. When you then touch a

metal doorknob, the electrons can move from you to the doorknob. This is an electric discharge. You feel the

shock and you may even see a small spark from the discharge.

56. Before you begin combing, the comb and your hair are both neutral. When your hair and the comb are rubbed

together, the atoms in the plastic comb have a greater ability to attract electrons, causing some electrons to

move from your hair to the comb. This makes the comb negatively charged and your hair positively charged.

Since opposite charges attract, the hair sticks to the comb.

57. When you rub a balloon against your sweater, the contact causes the balloon to become negatively charged.

The wall is neutral.

When you bring the balloon near the wall, the electrons in the balloon repel the electrons in the wall. This

causes some electrons in the wall to move away from the balloon. The part of the wall near the balloon is

temporarily charged by induction. The positive charges on the surface of the wall attract the negatively

charged balloon.

58. Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charge at rest on the surface of an object. “Static” means not

moving. The electric charges stay in one place, until they all at once move to another object. Current

electricity also has to do with electric charges, but with current electricity the charges are moving. Electric

current is the flow of electricity through a conductor in a closed path.

59. This is a series circuit. The battery is the energy source. The alligator leads and wires are the conductor. The

lamps are loads, and the knife switch is the control device.

60.

61. This is a parallel circuit. The lamps are arranged so that there is more than one path the electrons could

follow.

62.

63. Answers will vary. Possible answer: To determine the difference between a series and a parallel circuit, I trace

the path electrons would follow, without touching the circuit, starting from the energy source. If I can make it

back to the energy source without coming to a branch in the path, I know it is a series circuit. If there is at

least one branch, it is a parallel circuit.

64.

65.