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Science Quiz Questions About Electricity: How Well Do You Understand Basic Power and Electrical Wiring Concepts?

If you’re a regular reader of the Bolt Electric blog posts, you know we review electrical terminology and trivia from time to time. How well have you been paying attention? In this science quiz, questions about electricity will test your knowledge and memory. The more you understand these concepts as a building owner or property manager in New York City, the better you will be able to identify and fix electrical problems, as well as avoid dangerous situations that could put you or building occupants in harm’s way.

Part 1

Power supply

A Current is measured by:

1. Volts

2. Watts

3. Amps

4. Ohms

B The opposite of direct current is:

1. Alternating current

2. Oscillating current

3. Resistance

4. None of the above

C Wattage, as the rate of energy consumed, can be calculated as:

1. Amps x ohms

2. Volts x ohms

3. Amps x ohms – volts

4. Amps x volts

D Voltage is sometimes known as:

1. Tesla’s greatest invention

2. The electromotive force

3. Edison’s conundrum

4. Feynman’s folly

E New York City was one of the first places to have electrical supply in its:

1. Subway system

2. Streetlights

3. Movie theaters

4. All of the above

F The first types of appliances to benefit from domestic electricity in New York were:

1. Air conditioners, dishwashers, and clothes dryers

2. Radios, televisions, and alarm clocks

3. Sewing machines, toasters, and fans

4. Refrigerators, stoves, and hot water heaters

Part 2

Wiring and circuits

G A box in an electrical circuit is:

1. Where the busbar is located

2. Where multiple circuits are joined together

3. Where wires are connected at switches and receptacles

4. Where current is reversed for energy conservation

H Electrical current in a circuit is made up of:

1. Flowing electrons

2. Flowing protons

3. Bose-Einstein condensate

4. None of the above

I Insulators in electrical circuits work by:

1. Turning ohms into volts

2. Reducing wattage to manageable levels

3. Protecting wires from water damage

4. Inhibiting the flow of subatomic particles

J Resistance is:

1. Opposition to current

2. Increasing conductors’ capacity

3. Reversing the flow of neutrons

4. Protesting the government using First Amendment rights

K A short circuit happens when:

1. Two wires are joined at a junction box

2. The insulator absorbs current

3. The wrong amperage is used in a circuit breaker

4. Electricity flows to a conducting material that’s not part of the circuit

L True or false: the thicker an electrical wire is, the higher its gauge.

1. True

2. False

Part 3

Receptacles and Switches

M Receptacles are another name for:

1. Junction boxes

2. Fuses

3. Light fixtures

4. Outlets

N Dimmer switches are sometimes also called:

1. Rheostats

2. Switch loops

3. Single-pole switches

4. Photocells

O The best way to prevent shock in potentially wet areas is to:

1. Never use electrical outlets there

2. Install outlets higher than normal

3. Use surge protectors

4. Install ground fault interrupter outlets

Part 4

Troubleshooting

P The household appliance that typically uses the most electricity, and should therefore be replaced when it’s old, is the:

1. Rangetop

2. Entertainment center

3. Refrigerator

4. Toaster oven

Q Which is a common source of electrical fires?

1. Outdated electrical panels

2. Arcing

3. Overloading receptacles with power strips

4. All of the above

R High electricity bills can be reduced by:

1. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs

2. Using Energy Star appliances

3. Installing automatic light switches

4. All of the above

S Signs of wiring that needs to be updated include:

1. Flickering, breaker tripping, and overdependence on power strips

2. Needing to unplug some items when using high-demand appliances

3. Both 1 and 2

4. None of the above

T The recommended solution for inadequate radiator heat is:

1. Install a programmable thermostat with thermostatic radiator valves

2. Supplement with portable electrical heaters

3. Turn the boiler up higher

4. Replace the radiators with newer, more modern models

U Smart meters are:

1. Dangerous and should be used with caution

2. Expensive to install and maintain

3. Only for one- and two-unit dwellings

4. A way to monitor energy consumption in real time

V During a power outage, your emergency signage and lighting must function for at least:

1. 5 minutes

2. 30 minutes

3. 90 minutes

4. 150 minutes

W During a blackout, you should never:

1. Heat with a gas stove

2. Cook inside with a camp stove

3. Leave everything plugged in

4. All of the above

X Pre-war New York City buildings often have problems with:

1. Circuit panels, dangerous wiring, and insufficient outlets

2. Fire hazards, inadequate voltage, and loose fixtures

3. Both 1 and 2

4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer Key

How well did you do?

Here are the quiz answers. If you missed a few, or if you want more information, follow the hyperlinks included in some of the questions themselves.

A = 3

B = 1

C = 4

D = 2

E = 2

F = 3

G = 3

H = 1

I = 4

J = 1

K = 4

L = 2

M = 4

N = 1

O = 4

P = 3

Q = 4

R = 4

S = 3

T = 1

U = 4

V = 3

W = 4

X = 3

Whether you got all of the quiz questions right or need to review your knowledge of power and electrical supply, Bolt Electric is always available to assist when you run into trouble. Don’t wait until an electrical issue in your condo or co-op building becomes a nuisance for residents, a source of potential city citations and fines, or, worse, a fire risk.

Call Bolt Electric today at 212-434-0098 for routine maintenance, electrical upgrades, and problem troubleshooting. You’ll save money and aggravation, and you’ll avoid the dangers that come with electrical hazards, especially in older New York City properties.