Current, Electricity and Circuits - Science Study Guide

Current

The flow of electric charge.

Unit of Current

Ampere (A).

Voltage (Potential Difference)

The difference in electric potential between two points.

Unit of Voltage

Volt (V).

Resistance

Opposition to the flow of electric current.

Unit of Resistance

Ohm (Ω).

Ohm's Law

V = I × R, where V = voltage, I = current, R = resistance.

Circuit

A closed loop that allows current to flow.

Series Circuit

Components connected in a single path; all components have the same current.

Parallel Circuit

Components connected across common points; voltage is the same across each component.

Resistor

A component that limits current flow.

Capacitor

A component that stores electrical energy.

Inductor

A component that stores energy in a magnetic field.

Power Supply

Provides voltage to the circuit.

Ohm’s Law Definition

The voltage equals current x resistance as long as the temperature remains the same.