Electricity I Flashcards
electrostatic phenomena
Things that happen because objects have become charged
charge
This can be positive or negative. It is a property of protons or electrons.
positive (+) charge
Describes the charge on a proton or on an object that has had electrons transferred away from it.
negative (-) charge
Describes the charge on an electron or on an object that has had electrons transferred to it
electrostatic attraction
Force between two particles of objects that have opposite charge
proton
A tiny sub-atomic particle with a positive charge that is found in the nucleus of an atom. The relative mass of a proton is 1
neutron
A tiny sub-atomic particle with no charge that is found in the nucleus of an atom. The relative mass of a neutron is 1
electron
A tiny sub-atomic particle with a negative charge that flows through a wire to create an electric current
nucleus
The central part of an atom
neutral
Describes an object with no charge; its positive and negative charges cancel out
neutralise
To cancel out, when you add an equal amount of positive charge to negative charge
electric field
A region around a charged object where other charged objects feel a force
static
Charge on an insulator that does not move
insulator
A material that does not conduct energy or electricity very well.
conductor
A material such as metal or graphite that conducts charge or energy well.
electric circuits
A complete pathway for an electric current to flow.
component
An item used in an electric circuit, such as a lamp.
cell
A device that uses a chemical reaction to produce a voltage/potential difference.
battery
Two or more electrical cells joined together.
terminal
The positive or negative end of a cell or battery.
current
The flow of electric charge/electrons around a complete circuit.
ions
Atoms that have gained or lost electrons
amperes
Unit of measurement of an electric current, symbol A
milliamps
1/1000 of an amp.
ammeter
A device for measuring electric current in a circuit.
series circuit
An electrical circuit in which the components are joined in a single loop.
resistance
How difficult it is for current to flow through a component in a circuit.
model
A way of representing something that you cannot see or experience directly.
spark
A flash of light that you see when the air conducts electricity
risk
he chance of injury from a hazard. A combination of the probability that something will happen and the consequence if it did.
lightning conductor
A piece of metal connected to tall buildings to conduct lighting to the ground.
earthing
Process of connecting objects to the ground
