Key Terms

Question 1

What is an active electrode?

Answer 1

Electrode of an electrotherapy device that is used on the area to be treated

Active electrodes are essential for delivering electrical currents to specific treatment areas.

Question 2

Define alternating current.

Answer 2

Rapid and interrupted current, flowing first in one direction and then in the opposite direction; produced by mechanical means and changes directions 60 times per second

Abbreviated as AC.

Question 3

What does ampere measure?

Answer 3

The strength of an electric current

Abbreviated as A and also known as amp (AMP).

Question 4

What is anaphoresis?

Answer 4

Process of infusing an alkaline (negative) product into the tissues from the negative pole toward the positive pole

This technique utilizes galvanic current.

Question 5

What is the role of an anode in electrotherapy?

Answer 5

Positive electrode of an electrotherapy device; usually red and marked with a P or a plus (+) sign

The anode helps in delivering positive charge during treatment.

Question 6

What are catalysts?

Answer 6

Substances that speed up chemical reactions

Catalysts are crucial in various chemical processes.

Question 7

Define cataphoresis.

Answer 7

Process of fusing an acidic (positive) product into deeper tissues using galvanic current from the positive pole toward the negative pole

This process is effective for deeper tissue treatments.

Question 8

What is a cathode?

Answer 8

Negative electrode of an electrotherapy device; usually black and marked with an N or a minus (-) sign

The cathode plays a critical role in delivering negative charge during treatments.

Question 9

What is a circuit breaker?

Answer 9

Switch that automatically interrupts or shuts off an electric circuit at the first indication of overload

Circuit breakers are crucial for preventing electrical hazards.

Question 10

What is a complete electric circuit?

Answer 10

The path of negative and positive electric currents moving from the generating source through the conductors and back to the generating source.

Question 11

What is a conductor?

Answer 11

Any material that conducts electricity.

Question 12

What is a contraindication?

Answer 12

A condition that requires avoiding certain treatments, procedures, or products to prevent undesirable side effects.

Question 13

What is desincrustation?

Answer 13

A form of anaphoresis; process used to soften and emulsify grease deposits (oil) and blackheads in the hair follicles.

Question 14

What is direct current abbreviated as?

Answer 14

DC.

Question 15

Define direct current.

Answer 15

Constant, even-flowing current that travels in one direction only and is produced by chemical means.

Question 16

What does electric current refer to?

Answer 16

Flow of electricity along a conductor.

Question 17

What is electricity?

Answer 17

The movement of electrons from one atom to another along a conductor.

Question 18

What is an electrode?

Answer 18

Also known as a probe; applicator for directing electric current from an electrotherapy device to the client’s skin.

Question 19

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Answer 19

Also known as the electromagnetic spectrum of radiation; name given to all of the forms of energy (or radiation) that exist.

Question 20

What is electrotherapy?

Answer 20

Use of electrical currents to treat the skin.

Question 21

What is the function of a fuse?

Answer 21

Prevents excessive current from passing through a circuit.

Question 22

What is galvanic current?

Answer 22

Constant and direct current, having a positive and negative pole, that produces chemical changes when it passes through the tissues and fluids of the body.

Question 23

What does grounding do?

Answer 23

Completes an electric circuit and carries the current safely away.

Question 24

What is a ground fault interrupter?

Answer 24

Protects from electrical shock by interrupting a household circuit when there is a leak in the circuit.

Question 25

What is an inactive electrode?

Answer 25

Opposite pole from the active electrode.

Question 26

What is infrared light?

Answer 26

Invisible light with longer wavelengths, deeper penetration, less energy, and more heat production than visible light; makes up 60 percent of natural sunlight.

Question 27

What is an inverter?

Answer 27

Apparatus that changes direct current to alternating current.

Question 28

What is invisible light?

Answer 28

Light at either end of the visible spectrum of light that is invisible to the naked eye. ## Footnote This includes ultraviolet and infrared light.

Question 29

How is iontophoresis defined?

Answer 29

Process of infusing water-soluble products into the skin with the use of electric current. ## Footnote This involves the use of the positive and negative poles of a galvanic machine.

Question 30

What does kilowatt (kw) represent?

Answer 30

1,000 watts. ## Footnote It is a unit of power measurement.

Question 31

What is light therapy also known as?

Answer 31

Phototherapy. ## Footnote It is the application of light rays to the skin for treatment purposes.

Question 32

Define microcurrent.

Answer 32

An extremely low level of electricity that mirrors the body's natural electrical impulses. ## Footnote It is often used in facial treatments.

Question 33

What is a milliampere (mA)?

Answer 33

11,000 of an ampere. ## Footnote It is a unit of electric current measurement.

Question 34

What are modalities in the context of electrical treatments?

Answer 34

Currents used in electrical facial and scalp treatments. ## Footnote These can include various types of electrical currents.

Question 35

What is a nonconductor?

Answer 35

A material that does not transmit electricity. ## Footnote Also known as an insulator.

Question 36

What does 'ohm' measure?

Answer 36

The resistance of an electric current. ## Footnote Abbreviated as O.

Question 37

What is polarity in electrical terms?

Answer 37

Positive or negative poles of an electric current. ## Footnote This concept is crucial in understanding electric circuits.

Question 38

What is a rectifier?

Answer 38

An apparatus that changes alternating current to direct current. ## Footnote This is essential in many electrical devices.

Question 39

What is Tesla high-frequency current also known as?

Answer 39

Violet ray. ## Footnote It is commonly used for scalp and facial treatments.

Question 40

Define ultraviolet light.

Answer 40

Invisible light that has a short wavelength, is less penetrating than visible light, and kills germs. ## Footnote Also known as cold light or actinic light.

Question 41

What is visible light?

Answer 41

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen. ## Footnote It makes up only 35 percent of natural sunlight.

Question 42

What does 'volt' measure?

Answer 42

The pressure or force that pushes electric current forward through a conductor. ## Footnote Abbreviated as V.

Question 43

What is the unit that measures how much electric energy is being used in one second?

Answer 43

Watt ## Footnote Abbreviated as W

Question 44

What is the measurement of the distance between two wavelengths called?

Answer 44

Wavelength ## Footnote Abbreviated as WAYV-length

Question 45

What is the distance between successive peaks of electromagnetic waves?

Answer 45

Wavelength ## Footnote Abbreviated as WAYV-length

Question 46

Fill in the blank: The term __________ is abbreviated as W.

Answer 46

watt

Question 47

Fill in the blank: The distance between successive peaks of electromagnetic waves is referred to as __________.

Answer 47

wavelength

Question 48

True or False: A watt is a measurement of electric energy used per hour.

Answer 48

False ## Footnote A watt measures energy used in one second.

Question 49

What is the alternative term for waveform?

Answer 49

WAYV-form ## Footnote Used to describe the shape of the wave