Physics Flashcards
Cell
Chemical source of electrical energy. Cells may be connected in a series to make up a battery
Volt
The unit of electrical ‘push’
Terminals
The positive and negative ends of a power source
Circuit
The complete route from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a power source
Component
Any part of a circuit
Series circuit
An electrical circuit with all the components joined in a single loop
Electrical conductor
A material that lets electricity flow through it.
Electrical insulator
A material that does not let electricity flow through it.
Switch
A device that controls the flow of a current in a circuit
Current
A flow of electrons /charge
Electron
A tiny particle that has a negative charge. Electrons can flow through conductors.
Parallel circuits
A circuit that contains junctions where the electrical pathway divides or branches
Ammeter
An instrument for measuring electrical currents
Ampere
The unit of electrical current ( often shortened to ‘amp’
Short circuit
The easiest route in an electrical circuit
