Definitions Flashcards
Matter?
Anything that has mass or occupies space
Electron?
one of the three major parts of an atom (negatively charged)
Proton?
One of the three major parts of an atom (positive)
Neutron?
Neutral particles within the nucleus of an atom
Ion?
an atom that has gained either a negative or positive charge
Element?
A single uncombined substance consisting of only one kind of atom
Compound?
A type of matter consisting of two or more elements
Molecule?
smallest particle into which matter may be broken down to and still retain its identity
Atom?
The smallest particle into which an element may be broken down to and still retain its identity
Nucleus?
Positively charged centre of an atom
Conductor?
A material having 1, 2, or 3 valence electrons, and has appreciable flow
Insulator?
Material having 5,6, or 7 valence electrons, will not permit any flow
Semiconductor?
material having 4 valence electrons and is neither a good conductor or insulator
Free electron?
An electron which is not bound to any particular atom
Voltage?
The electromotive force or pressure which causes electrical current to flow
Current?
General flow or drift of electrons
Resistance?
opposition to current flow offered by material or circuit
Volt?
basic unit of electrical pressure, one volt is the amount of emf which will cause one amp to flow through a resistance of one ohm
Ampere?
Basic unit of measurement for the rate of electron flow. One ampere is the movement of 6.2x10 (18) electrons passing a given point in 1 second
Ohm?
basic unit of resistance to current flow. One ohm will allow one amp of current to flow when the applied emf is one volt
Closed circuit?
A complete or closed path for current to flow when the applied emf is one volt
Open circuit?
An electrical path that is incomplete or broken-resulting in no current
Short circuit?
A closed circuit of extremely low resistance- usually accidental
Triboelectricity?
Name given to the production of electricity by friction
