Ch. 3-5: Electricity Basics: Voltage, Resistance, and Ohm's Law

Primary Cells

Non-rechargeable electrochemical cells.

Earth Grounding

Maintains same potential for appliances.

Electrical Grounding

Common reference point for electrical systems.

Conductance

Material's ability to pass electrons, measured in siemens.

Variable Resistor

Adjustable resistor that changes resistance.

Electrical Circuit

Path for current flow, includes voltage source.

Parallel Circuit

Current divides among branches, recombines at source.

Voltage Source

Device that provides electrical potential difference.

Friction

Oldest method of generating electricity.

Magnetism

Common method for electricity generation.

Thermocouples

Convert heat energy into electrical energy.

Battery

Composed of two or more electrochemical cells.

Secondary Cells

Rechargeable electrochemical cells, e.g., lead-acid.

Series Configuration

Voltage increases, current remains the same.

Parallel Configuration

Current increases, voltage remains the same.

Ground

Reference point for zero electrical potential.

Resistor

Component that resists current flow.

Potentiometer

Variable resistor controlling voltage.

Rheostat

Variable resistor controlling current.

Ohm's Law

Current is proportional to voltage, inversely to resistance.

Series Circuit

Current is the same throughout the circuit.

Resistor Color Code

Identifies resistor values using colored bands.