3.5 - DEFINITIONS

Question 1

current?

Answer 1

the rate of flow of charge; Coulombs, C

Question 2

potential difference?

Answer 2

the work done per unit charge; Volts, V

Question 3

Ohm’s Law?

Answer 3

the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, provided all physical conditions and temperature remain constant

Question 4

(negative coefficient) thermistor?

Answer 4

A temperature sensitive semiconductor whose resistance increases when temperature decreases

Question 5

superconductor?

Answer 5

a material with zero resistivity when the temp has decreased to, or below, the material’s critical temp.

Question 6

potential divider?

Answer 6

a circuit which splits a potential difference, by connecting two resistors in series

Question 7

terminal pd?

Answer 7

the pd across the terminals of a power source; it’s equal to the emf - any voltage drop over the source’s internal resistance

Question 8

emf?

Answer 8

the amount of energy transferred by a source to each unit of charge that passes through it

Question 9

internal resistance?

Answer 9

the resistance to the flow of charge within a source (battery), which results in energy dissipation within the source.