Currents Flashcards
Electric Current
flow of electric charge (Measured in Amperes…Amps).
Electric Circuit
continuous path through which electric charges can flow; it is a closed loop.
Voltage
electric pressure that can produce a flow of charge; potential difference (Measured in Volts)
no potential difference =
no flow of charge
Voltage causes
current
Resistance
restricts the flow of electric charge; reduces the potential energy of charges.
Power
the rate at which energy is transferred by electric current.
Ammeter
measures the rate of flow of electric charge.
Voltmeter
measures the conversion of electric energy; little current goes through it.
Direct Current (DC)
flow of current is only in one direction (i.e. batteries).
Alternating Current (AC)
current flows in more than one direction (i.e. homes).
Ohm’s Law
for a given wire, the strength of the current is proportional to the potential difference between the ends of the wire. (i.e. The more current, the more voltage)
