Electricity Vocab

Question 1

Static Electricity

Answer 1

Static electricity is the buildup of electrons in one place.

Question 2

Charge Seperation

Answer 2

Charged objects can interact with neutral objects through charge separation.

• As a statically charged object comes near a neutral object, the electrons in each object repel each other to create a
  positive spot of attraction.
• Charge separation explains
  why a statically charged balloon can stick to a neutral wall.
• This also explains why a statically charged person can shock a neutral person or object.

Question 3

Insulator

Answer 3

Electrons cannot move through these
materials.

Question 4

Resistor

Answer 4

Electrons move through with a lot of friction.

Question 5

Current

Answer 5

Measures the rate or speed that
electrons flow in a circuit.

• current is measured in Amperes (A)
• the symbol for current is “I”

Question 6

Voltage

Answer 6

How much energy that the electrons
have

• voltage is measured in Volts (V)
• the symbol for voltage is “V”
• voltage is also known as
  Potential Difference

Question 7

Resistance

Answer 7

Measures how easy or hard it is
for electrons to flow

• resistance is measured in Ohms(Ω)
• the symbol for resistance is “R”

Question 8

Current Electricity

Answer 8

The flow of electrons from one place to another.

• It is predictable and more easily controlled than static electricity

Question 9

Resistor

Answer 9

Resistors are used in a circuit to reduce current.

• Resistors help control the flow of electrons through the circuit.

Question 10

Circuit Breaker

Question 11

Electrochemical Cell

Answer 11

A device that produces electricity using chemical reactions.

Question 12

Electrode

Answer 12

A Positive Electrode (conductor): the positively charged metal in an electrochemical cell.

A Negative Electrode (conductor): the negatively charged metal in an electrochemical cell

Question 13

Electrolyte

Answer 13

A substance that conducts an electric
current. The electrolyte reacts with the electrodes.

Question 14

Ohm’s Law

Answer 14

Shows the relationship between current, voltage and resistance.

Question 15

Series Circuit

Answer 15

Use less material and are simple to build but the whole circuit will stop working if there is any break in the
circuit.

• each new load increases the overall resistance which
  reduces the current

Question 16

Parallel Circuit

Answer 16

Uses more material and are more difficult to build but the whole circuit will not stop due to a break in the circuit

• each new load decreases resistance which increases current

Question 17

Load

Answer 17

A load that transforms energy
into another form of energy.

Question 18

Thermocouple

Answer 18

A device that can transform heat
into electricity.

Question 19

Electric Motor

Answer 19

A device used to convert electricity into mechanical energy.

Question 20

Electric Generator

Answer 20

An electric generator uses all of the same parts as an electric motor

• Instead of using electricity to create movement, it will use movement to create electricity

Question 21

Alternating Current

Answer 21

• The rapid back-and-forth movement of
  electrons
• electricity in our homes is AC

Question 22

Direct Current

Answer 22

When electrons flow in one direction only
* battery-powered devices use DC

Question 23

Conductor

Answer 23

Electrons move through these materials
with a bit of friction