terms and definitions Flashcards
an electric charge (positive or negative) that can be collected and held in one place on an object that results from the transfer of electrons.
static charge
the build up and release of a Static Charge (electrons) on an object.
Examples: lightning, scuffing feet and touching a doorknob
static electricity
A particle with a positive charge
proton
a particle with a negative charge
electrons
particles with a neutral charge
neutrons
One charge is equal to the gain or loss of 6.25x1018 electrons!
coulomb
a list of materials in order of increasing tendency to gain electrons. As you move further down the list, the materials increase in their tendency to gain extra electrons.
electrostatic series
when a static charge is generated or transferred through touch (without friction).
conduction
when an object loses an electric charge by transferring electrons.
electric discharge
the ability to do work. Measured in Joules (J)
energy
stored energy
potential energy
the potential of a charged particle to do work.
Electric potential energy
the amount of potential energy stored per coulomb (C) of electric charge found at a specific location.
electric potential difference (voltage).
pressure on electrons to change position
voltage
used to measure electric potential difference in volts (V)
Voltmeter
uses chemical reactions to force electric charges into a high energy position. In other words it creates electric potential difference (voltage).
Electrochemical cell
a terminal made of a conducting material
Electrode
a substance that conducts electricity. It allows charged particles to flow. It can be paste or fluid.
Electrolyte
one or more electrochemical cells connected in a series.
battery
Supplies the electric potential difference (voltage) to a circuit. It causes the electrons to move.
source
Any component that changes electrical energy into a different form such as light or heat.
electric load
Any material that allows electrons to move freely from one atom to another.
conductor (wire)
Normally shortened to ‘amp’. The SI unit for current. It equals 1 coulomb of charge passing a point in a circuit each second.
ampere (A)
A device used to measure electric current.
ammeter
the amount of charge (electrons) passing a certain point in a circuit each second. It is measured in amperes (A) using an ammeter
electric current
the flow of electrons through a conducting material. It is measured in amperes (A) and refers to the number of electrons that move through a wire per second.
current electricity
A continuous (unbroken) loop of conducting material through which electrons can move.
electric circuit
conductors that can open or close. They give control over the flow of electrons.
switch
a layout of an electrical circuit
circuit diagram
the property of any material that slows down the flow of electrons. It is measured in ohms (Ω)
resistance
a circuit component that has a specific resistance. Normally used to regulate the electric current going to other parts of a circuit.
resistor
a symbol to represent resistance
ohm
V= I/R
Ohm’s Law
Parallel Circuit
A circuit with more than one path through which the current can travel back to the source.
A circuit with only one path through which the current (electrons) can travel back to the source.
series circuit
a place or point where two or more things are joined, as a seam or joint
juction point
An electrical switch is designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent/overload or short circuits.
circuit breaker
an electrical safety device that protects an electric circuit from excessive electric current.
fuse
The rate at which work is done by an electrical circuit. It is measured in watts.
electrical power
the unit for electrical power.
1 ____ = 1 joule per second
watt
The unit of measurement for energy consumption in a household.
It equals 1 kW of power being consumed for 1 hour. (3,600,000 joules!)
kilowatt hour
The amount of energy (power) used over a period of time. It is typically measured in kilowatt-hours.
energy consumption
Tells how much electricity it needs to work
power rating
the energy generated by the movement of electrons from one point to another
electrical energy
unit of work or energy
joule
The percentage of electrical energy converted into a useful form as a portion of the total amount of electrical energy used.
efficiency
