AQA GCSE Physics: Electricity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to electricity in the AQA GCSE Physics syllabus.

Electrical Charge

A property of matter that causes it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field.

Current

The flow of electrical charge, measured in amperes (A).

Potential Difference (PD)

The difference in electric potential between two points, measured in volts (V).

Resistance

A measure of the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit, measured in ohms (Ω).

Ohmic Conductor

A material where resistance remains constant regardless of the current flowing through it.

Thermistor

A type of resistor whose resistance is significantly affected by temperature.

Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)

A resistor that changes its resistance based on the intensity of light, lower in bright light.

Series Circuit

A circuit where components are connected end to end, and current is the same in all parts.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where components are connected across common points, allowing multiple paths for current.

Mains Electricity

An alternating current (AC) supply used in homes, typically at a frequency of 50 Hz and voltage of about 230 V in the UK.

Direct Current (DC)

Current that flows in one direction only, supplied by cells and batteries.

Power

The rate at which energy is transferred, measured in watts (W).

Energy Transfer

The conversion of energy from one form to another, e.g., electrical to kinetic or thermal.

National Grid

A system of cables and transformers that transmits electricity from power stations to consumers.

Electrostatic Force

The force of attraction or repulsion between charged objects.

Electric Fields

Areas around charged objects where other charges experience a force.