Electromagnetic Energy Flashcards
ion
an atom with a net electrical charge because it lost or gained an electron
Example: H+ ion has a +1 charge
Electrical Conductor
a material, often metal, through which electrons can move freely
Example: copper wire
Electromagnetic Force
interactions (pushes and pulls) of electrically charged particles with other charged particles and magnetic poles
Example: like charges repel, opposite charges attract
current
The flow rate of charge, measured in amps (A).
Example: 3 amps (3 A)
Electrical Conductivity
how well a material conducts electricity; a physical property of matter
Resistance
A device that reduces/limits/controls the current in a circuit, measured in ohms (Ω).
Example: 10 ohms (10 Ω)
Circuit Diagram / Schematic
a drawing that uses symbols to show how components should be connected in a circuit
Voltage / Potential Difference / Potential
The difference in energy per charge across any two points in a circuit, measured in volts (V).
Example: 9 volts (9 V)
Magnetic field
the potential magnetic force in the space surrounding a magnet; proportional to the force on a magnetic pole in the space around the magnet
Neutral (charge)
a material without a net positive or negative charge
Example: neutrons
Series Circuit
An electrical circuit in which all components are on the same continuous electrical path.
Voltage Source
The place from which electrical current is produced such as a battery, a wall outlet, a generator, or a solar panel.
Conducting Path
A continous route for electricity to flow through a material that conducts electricity.
Electrical Insulator
a material that prevents or limits the flow of electricity
Example: glass, air
Electric circuit
A continuous path for the flow of electricity.
Short Circuit
a dangerous circuit in which a conducting wire is connected directly across the two battery terminals
ground
the lowest potential, or voltage, in a circuit
Example: negative battery terminal
Resistor
A device that opposes the flow of electricity such as a lamp or a motor.
Magnetic Poles
the north and south ends of a magnet
Ohms (Ω)
the unit for resistance
Example: 10 ohms (10 Ω)
Charge
an electric property of matter that produces interactions with an electric field; can be positive or negative
Example: protons, electrons
