Welcome

SSPH011 Class of 2021

BIOPHYSICS
Electricity
MA Letsoalo
0829358999
molamo.letsoalo@ul.ac.za
Maila MT 202016280 0715855552
Ramaila E 202054001 071 389 7680
Think and share
Electricity and the health care system
• The health care system of any country is essential to the well-being of
its citizens. It is an important element of national security, as it not
only functions to provide adequate medical care, it serves as a
medium of hope and stability for the people.
• The ability of the health care system to work without hiccups cannot
be overemphasized. Health and electricity are intertwined as most
health activities are carried out with the use of electricity.
Sources of electricity
Battery/cell Dynamo/Generator
Solar cell
Solar cells
Advantages
• Free electricity from the light
• Safe to use, not lethal

Disadvantages
• Limited use (e.g can not be used in heating devices)
• Only available when there is light/needs battery backup
Structure
• Two terminals: positive(+) red cable and Negative (-) black cable
Batteries
Advantages
• Portable electricity Portable devices
• Safe to use, not lethal

Disadvantages
• Limited use (e.g can not be used in heating devices)
• Run flat (some can be recharged
Structure
• Two terminals: positive(+) red cable and Negative (-) black cable
Connections:
Series connection result in more electricity,
Parallel connection makes the batteries last longer
Dynamo/generator
Advantage
• can be used in a wide range of devices/appliances
• Does not run flat

Disadvantages
• Lethal if mishandled
• Not portable
Structure
Two terminals(twin plug) for devices with non metallic casing
Three terminals for devices with metallic casing (Life (brown), Neutral
(blue) and Earth (green and Yellow)
 Electricity Transmission
Electrical energy is transferred from the power station to
the consumer via the National Grid.
• Electricity is sent for many kilometres along transmission
lines on pylons.
 Three pin plug
Twin plug
mains
L life brown (right)
N Neutral blue (left)
E earth green and yellow
 Electricity generation
• Coal powered generation
• Wind powered generation
• Nuclear powered generation
• Hydro powered generation
What is electricity?
Electric force
• Like charges repel
• Unlike charges attract
 Direct current(DC)

Alternating current (AC)

Conductors and Insulators
• Human tissue is a conductor of AC current
• Fabric softeners makes fabric(insulator) more conductive so that the
clothes do not stick to the body.
Resistance

Devices/appliances connected to
the electric circuit serves as resistors
 Circuits

Parallel connected
Series connected
resistors increase electric current
resistors reduce electric current