Physics

Electrons

Tiny little electrons have a negative charge.

Protons

Much bigger protons have a positive charge.

Neutrons

Neutrons have a neutral charge.

Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object relative (in comparison to) to another thing.

Relative is another way of saying…
In the first image, the weight has low potential energy in comparison to the distance from the ground.

“in comparison to”
In the second image, the potential energy is higher because the weight is lifted higher above the ground.

Electrical Potential Energy

Determined by the relative difference in strength of positive and negative charges, as well as the distance between the charges.

Static Electricity

A build of unbalanced charge in one area.

Circuit

A closed loop where current can flow, containing a power supply, a closed loop, and a load.

Power Supply

Provides energy to the circuit by separating charges.

Load

Consumes energy in a circuit, such as a light bulb.

Short Circuit

A circuit with only a power supply and a conductor, lacking a load, leading to rapid battery drain or overheating.

Voltage (V)

The potential difference in a circuit, measured in volts.

Current (A)

The number of electrons flowing through a circuit at a particular point per second, measured in amperes (amps).

Resistance

Measured in Ohms.

Ammeter

A tool used to measure the current in an electrical circuit and is placed in series.

Voltmeter

A tool used to measure potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit; it's positioned in parallel.

Potential Difference

The difference in electrical potential between two points (positive and negative ends) in a circuit, driving electron flow.

Resistance

Friction encountered by electrons in a circuit.

Conductors

Materials allowing free movement of electrons.

Insulators

Materials preventing electron flow, like rubber.

Delocalised Electrons

Electrons free to move in metals.

Ohm's Law

V = I x R; relates voltage, current, resistance.

Series Circuit

Components connected in a single path.

Parallel Circuit

Components connected across multiple paths.

Total Resistance (Series)

Sum of individual resistances in series.

Total Resistance (Parallel)

Calculated using reciprocal formula for resistors.

Thin Wire Resistance

Higher resistance due to less space for electrons.

Thick Wire Current

Higher current due to lower resistance.

Energy Loss Prevention

Insulators prevent energy loss in circuits.

Power Surge Protection

Insulators protect from damage during surges.

Circuit Load

Devices like bulbs that add resistance.

Resistance Calculation

Total resistance = R1 + R2 + R3.

Equivalent Resistance

Resistance of combined resistors in a circuit.

Current Rule (Series)

Same current flows through all components.

Voltage Rule (Series)

Total voltage equals sum across components.

Current Rule (Parallel)

Total current equals sum of branch currents.

Voltage Rule (Parallel)

Same voltage across all parallel components.

Resistor Values

Expressed in Ohms, affecting circuit behavior.

Magnetism

Phenomenon of attracting metals from a distance.

Lodestones

Natural magnets that attract metals.

North Pole

End of a magnet pointing towards Polaris.

South Pole

Opposite end of a magnet from North.

Magnetic Field

Area around a magnet where magnetic forces exist.

Magnetisable Materials

Metals that align with magnetic fields.

Hans Christian Oerstad

Discovered electric currents produce magnetic fields.

Electromagnet

Magnet created by electric current in wire.

Current Strength

Higher voltage increases magnetic field strength.

Wire Wrapping

More turns of wire enhance magnetic field.

Solenoid

Wire coiled around a support generating magnetic field.

Mechanical Energy

Energy converted from electrical energy in solenoids.

Applications of Solenoids

Used in cars, locks, MRI machines, and speakers.

Electromagnetism

Phenomenon where electric currents mimic magnets.

Magnetic Force

Force experienced by current in a magnetic field.

Magnetic Interaction

Current interacts with magnetic field forces.

Voltage Supply

Power source for increasing current strength.

Magnetic Field Direction

Conventional flow from North to South pole.