Subjects
Grades
Power Supply
Concept sheets | Science and Technology
Secondary
3-4
Table of contents
Choose your level.
Secondary 3 (AST)
A power supply is an electrical function performed by any electrical component capable of supplying or generating a current in a system.
The following electrical components generate or supply an electric current.
Two batteries
Source: Kenishirotie, Shutterstock.com
A battery generates an electric current through the chemical reaction that takes place inside of it.
A car battery
Source: Jr images, Shutterstock.com
Photoelectric cell in a garden light
Source: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock.com
A photovoltaic cell, also called a solar cell, is a device that generates an electric current by converting radiant energy into electrical energy.
A bicycle dynamo
Source: k r e f, Shutterstock.com
A dynamo is a device that generates an electric current by transforming the mechanical energy of the rotating bicycle wheel into electrical energy.
An electrical outlet
Source: Steve Cukrov, Shutterstock.com
An electrical outlet, also called a power outlet or an electrical socket, is a device that supplies an electric current from the electrical grid.
A car alternator
Source: Orlov Alexsandr, Shutterstock.com
An alternator is a device that generates an electric current by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
A car's alternator supplies the car's electrical components and recharges its battery.
Secondary 4
A power supply is an electrical function performed by any electrical component capable of supplying or generating direct or alternating current in a system.
The following electrical components generate or supply a direct current.
Two batteries
Source: Kenishirotie, Shutterstock.com
A battery generates an electric current through the chemical reaction that takes place inside of it.
A car barttery
Source: Jr images, Shutterstock.com
Photoelectric cell in a garden light
Source: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock.com
A photovoltaic cell, also called a solar cell, is a device that generates an electric current by converting radiant energy into electrical energy.
A bicycle dynamo
Source: k r e f, Shutterstock.com
A dynamo is a device that generates an electric current by transforming the mechanical energy of the rotating bicycle wheel into electrical energy.
The following electrical components generate or supply a direct current.
An electrical outlet
Source: Steve Cukrov, Shutterstock.com
An electrical outlet, also called a power outlet or an electrical socket, is a device that supplies an electric current from the electrical grid.
A car alternator.
Source: Orlov Alexsandr, Shutterstock.com
An alternator is a device that generates an electric current by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
A car's alternator supplies the car's electrical components and recharges its battery.