electrical circuit components Flashcards
define cell
a source of potential difference in a circuit, producing a d.c. current.
define battery
two or more cells in series, a battery provides a higher potential difference than a cell.
define switch
a component that can cause a break in a circuit when open, to switch it on/off
define lamp
a component that converts electrical energy into light energy.
define resistor
a component that converts electrical energy into heat energy
define voltmeter
a component that is used to measure the potential difference across another component in a circuit. It must be placed in parallel to the component which is being measured.
define ammeter
a component that is used to measure the current flowing through a part of a circuit. It must always be placed in series in the circuit.
define LED
a diode that converts electrical energy into light. These are much more efficient than filament lamps.
define motor
a component that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy, often rotational.
define microphone
a component that converts sound energy into electrical energy.
define loudspeaker
a component that converts electrical energy into sound energy.
define photovoltaic
cell
a component that converts light energy directly into electrical energy.
define fuse
a component that will break if the current from the supply is too high. This saves the cable that attaches to the power supply from becoming to hot and causing a fire.
define diode
a component that allows electric current to flow in only one direction.
define capacitor
a component used in timing circuits because it takes time to charge and to discharge.
