CANKAYA UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES

-ENGLISH UNIT-

VOCABULARY PRESENTATIONFOR ENG 205 COURSE

WEEK 11

Supply (n): a source of electrical energyIn Turkey, electrical supply is provided by some

organisations such as EnerjiSA, Başkent Elektrik etc.

Current(n): the flow of electricity through a wire, etc

A 15 amp electrical current

alternate (v):  to happen or exist one after the other repeatedlyHer music alternates moments of sudden quiet

with moments of dramatic intensity.

Alternating current (n. Phr): an electric current that changes its direction regularly.

The elecricity supplied to homes is alternating current.

Direct current (n.phr): electrical current which moves in one direction only

Batteries are a source of direct current

frequency(n): The number of repetitions per unit time of a complete waveform

In the UK, AC supply alternates 50 times per second, so its frequency is 50 hertz.

Single phase current(n): the current which forms one sine wave.

The current supplied to homes is single phase.

Three-phase current(n): three currents having different timing

In factories and large buildings, three phase current is needed as they have powerful electrical equipment

generate(v): to produce sthWind turbines generate electricity for the local

community.

generator(n): a machine for producing electricity

The school’s generators are used during a power cut.

Transform(v): to change the form of sthThe photochemical reactions transform the

light into electrical impulses.

Transformer(n): a device which changes the voltage or other characteristic of electrical energy as it moves from one circuit to another

You may need a transformer if you want to run a personal stereo off alternating current.

Step up(phr.v): to increase the size, amount or speed of a process

If we want to grow as a factory, wee need to step up the production.

Step down(phr.v): to reduce the amount, supply or rate of something

The doctor has said that I can start stepping down my medication in a few days' time.

inverter(n): a device which converts DC to AC

induction(n): the process by which electrical or magnetic properties are transferred, without physical contact, from one circuit or body to another

Read the texts on page 13 and anwer the questions1. What is a sine wave?2. Why three phase current should be used in

factories?3. What is the fuction of distribution lines?4. What is Photovaoltaic cells?How the energy

is produced?5. Why the electricty produced by PVs cannot

be used at home?

Answers1. The wave of AC supply that we see/use on a

graph2. Those buildings have powerful electrical

equipmenrt and it provides a smoother supply as it reduces the gaps between the voltage peaks

3. It supplies electricity to streets and houses4. PVs are solar cells, electriciy is produced

from sunlight.5. Because PVs genreate direct current, and to

be used at home DC should be inverted into AC

Do the exercises on your study pack