Ohm's Law Vocab

Ampere

The SI unit of electric current. A flow of one coulomb of charge per second is one ampere (symbol A).

Alternating Current

Electric current that reverses its direction of flow in a regular pattern.

Capacitor

A device used to store charge in a circuit.

Diode

An electronic device that restricts current to flow in a single direction in an electric circuit.

Direct Current

Electric current that flows in only one direction.

Electric Circuit

A closed path that electric current follows.

Electric Current

The net movement of electric charges in a single direction, measured in amperes.

Electric Power

The rate at which electrical energy is converted into another form, such as light, heat, or mechanical energy (or converted from another form into electrical energy.)

Ohm

The SI unit for electric resistance. One ohm (symbol Ω) is the resistance of a device that draws a current of one ampere when a voltage of one volt is impressed across it.

Ohm's Law

States that the current in a circuit equals the voltage difference divided by the resistance.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit in which electric current has more than one path to follow.

Potential Difference

The difference in electric potential (voltage) between two points. Free charge flows when there is a difference and will continue until both points reach a common potential.

Resistance

The tendency of a material to oppose electron flow and to convert electrical energy into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy and light; measured in ohms (Ω).

Schematic Diagram

A diagram that describes an electric circuit, using special symbols to represent different devices in the circuit.

Series Circuit

A circuit in which electric current has only one path to follow.

Superconductivity

A property of a material that has infinite conductivity at very low temperatures, so that charge flows through it without resistance.

Voltage Difference

Related to the force that causes electric charges to flow; measured in volts (V).

Voltage Source

A device, such as a battery or generator, that provides a potential difference.