science: physics Flashcards
potential energy
energy stored in an object relative to another thing
static electricity
a build up on unbalanced charge in one area. stationary energy, more electrons than protons on one side.
electrical potential energy
determined by the relative difference in strength of positive and negative charge. also dependant of the distance of the charges. harder to seperate 2 opposing changes means there’s more potential energy
electricity
the flow of charge. movement of electrons, seperate electrons from protons
kinetic energy is the movement of electrons
current
measured in amps
number of electrons flowing through a circuit at a certain point per second. the current remains constant as it flows thought a load.
voltage
measured in volts.
another word for potential difference, which is produced by the battery. the power that each electron carries as it travels through the circuit.
a measure of power
ammeter
placed in series to the lightbulb in the circuit
voltmeter
placed in 2 different parts of the circuit, mainly around a load, parallel to the lightbulb
magnetism
force exerted by magnets when the attract of repel each other. a field that extends into space.
solenoid
coils of wire wrapped around a support which turns electrical to mechanical energy
conductors
needs for there to be electrons available to move
delocalised electrons
insulators
don’t have free moving electrons. they provide protection so currents don’t jump from place to place. they make the flow of energy more efficient
resistance
measure in ohms. the friction encountered by an electron as it moved through a circuit. when resistance is high, electrons move slower
how to find current in series
voltage / total resistance
how to find voltage drop in series
voltage x ohms
