Electricity & Magnetism Unit Vocab (whole unit)

electricity

The flow of electrons

Alternating Current (AC)

Type of electric current in which charges switch from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction

Direct Current (DC)

Type of electric current in which the charges always flow in the same direction

static electricity

A buildup of charges on an object.

conduction

Transfer of electrons from one object to another through direct contact

induction

The transfer of charges from one object to another without direct contact

conductor

A material that allows charges (like electrical current) to flow easily; any material which easily transfers energy (examples: metals, water)

insulator

A material, such as wood, glass, or plastic, that does not allow charges to flow easily; any material which poorly transfers energy

semi-conductor

A substance that conducts electric current better than insulator but not as well as a conductor

circuit

A complete closed path for electric current

series circuit

A circuit where all parts are connected in a single loop, offering only one possible path for charges to flow

parallel circuit

A circuit in which different loads are on separate branches, offering more than one route for the flow charges

friction

The transfer of electrons when two objects are rubbed together

electric discharge

The loss of static electricity as electrons move off an object

resistor

Anything that restricts the flow of electric current

current

A continuous flow of electricity; The rate charges pass a given point; Expressed in Amperes (A)

resistance

Measure of how easily charges flow through a substance or device; Opposition to the flow of electric charges; Expressed in Ohms

Voltage (potential difference)

The difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit; Expressed in Volts (V)

Volts

the unit used to measure Voltage (V)

Ohms

the unit used to measure Resistance (Ω)

Amperes

the unit used to measure Current (A)

Magnet

Any material hat attracts iron or materials contains iron

Poles

Parts of a magnet where the magnetic effects are the strongest

Magnetic force

Forces of repulsion or attraction between the poles of magnets

Electromagnetic induction

Process by which electric current is produced by a changing magnetic field

Electromagnet

A magnet that consist of a solenoid wrapped around an iron core

Solenoid

A coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when an electric current passes through it

Turbine

A device that consists of a series of blade arranged in a circle, which may be spun around. The kinetic energy from the spinning blades used to generate electricity.

Generator

Machine that uses electromagnetic induction to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy

Electric motor

A device that changes electrical energy into kinetic energy

Transformer

A device that increases or decreases the voltage of alternating current

Light-emitting diode (LED)

Emits infared/visible radiation when a current passes through them

Solar cell

Device that converts radiant energy (Infared light (IR), and/or ultraviolet light (UV) into electricity using an absorbing material

Transistor

A small electronic device used in a circuit as an amplifier or switch.

Circuit Board

a collection of hundreds of tiny circuits that supply electrical current to various parts of electronic devices. They are typically made of a semiconductor material, Silicon

Integrated Circuit Board

an entire circuit containing many transistors and other electronic components formed on a single chip

Diode

Device that allows current to flow in only one direction (alternating to direct current)