Electrical Circuits Flashcards
Ammeter
component used to measure the electrical current going through a component in an electrical circuit
Amperes
unit of current
Conventional Current
in solid conductors, conventional current flows from positive to negative, even though electrons flow from negative to positive
Coulombs
unit of charge
Current
(1) the rate of flow of electrical charge
(2) a stream of charged particles moving through an electrical conductor, whose size is determined by the charge flow and time
Earthing
the process in which electric energy is instantly discharged directly to the earth through a low resistance wire, e.g. lightening wires, reducing risk of electric shock as energy is transferred down the wire quicker than it could anyone
Electric Field
a charged object creates an electrical field around itself, which is strongest closest to the object. Charged objects placed within this field would experience a force.
Ion
a charged atom, becomes charged when you add electrons
Joules
unit of energy
Light Dependent Resistor
decreases its resistance as light intensity increases, is useful in light sensors
Ohmic
where resistance remains constant as current changes
Ohm’s Law
where resistance remains constant as current changes
Parrallel Current
a circuit where there is more than one loop of components
Particle Acceleration
process for accelerating subatomic particles
Particle Accelerator
apparatus for accelerating subatomic particles
Pipe Earthing
when electricity is sent down a pipe into the ground
Plate Earthing
where electricity is sent to an underground plate
Potential Difference
the difference in energy of the charge carries before and after a component
Resistance
the amount that a component or circuit opposes the flow of the current
Series Circuit
a circuit where all of the components are connected in one loop. The current is the same through each component and the potential difference and resistance is shared between the components
Static
energy related to static -still- electrons which build up on materials. When certain insulating materials are rubbed against each other they become charged as negatively charged electrons are rubbed off one material and onto the other, meaning the material that gains electrons becomes negatively charged, and the material that loses electrons is left with an equal positive charge
Static Charge
where an insulator is charged up by friction, causing electrons to either be rubbed onto or rubbed off the object causing them to be charged, only the negative charge move
Thermistor
a resistor that decreases its resistance as temperature increases, is useful in thermostats
Voltmeter
a component used to measure the potential difference across a component
