Electricity Concepts Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in electricity from the lecture notes.

Electric Current

The flow of electric charge through a conductor.

Electric Circuit

A continuous and closed path through which electric current can flow.

Coulomb

The SI unit of electric charge, equivalent to the charge of approximately 6 × 10^18 electrons.

Ampere

The SI unit of electric current, defined as one coulomb of charge per second.

Voltameter

An instrument used to measure the potential difference between two points.

Ohm's Law

The principle that the potential difference across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.

Resistance

A property of a conductor that resists the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).

Potential Difference

The work done to move a unit charge from one point to another; measured in volts (V).

Joule's Law of Heating

The law stating that the heat produced in a resistor is directly proportional to the square of the current, resistance and time.

Electrical Resistivity

A material property that quantifies how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current.

Series Connection

A connection configuration where resistors are connected end to end, resulting in the same current flowing through all resistors.

Parallel Connection

A connection configuration where resistors are connected across the same two points, resulting in a voltage drop that is the same across each resistor.

Power (Electric)

The rate at which electric energy is delivered in a circuit, measured in watts (W).

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

A unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power used for one hour.

Ammeter

An instrument used to measure the current flowing through a circuit.

Closed Circuit

A complete electrical path allowing current to flow.

Open Circuit

A broken circuit where current cannot flow.

Electron Flow

The movement of electrons through a conductor from negative to positive terminal.

Positive Charge Flow Direction

The conventional direction of electric current, opposite to the actual flow of electrons.

Schematic Diagram

A symbolic representation of electrical connections and components in a circuit.

Rheostat

A variable resistor used to control current without changing the voltage.

Conductor

A material that allows electric charge to flow freely.

Insulator

A material that resists the flow of electric current.

Heating Effect of Electric Current

The phenomenon where electrical energy is converted into heat within a conductor.

Electrical Energy

The energy consumed or sustained by the movement of electric charges.

Cell

A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.

Battery

A combination of two or more cells that provides electrical energy.

SI Unit of Voltage

Volt (V), the potential difference when one joule of work is done to move one coulomb of charge.

Electrical Power Formula (P)

P = VI (Power = Voltage x Current).

Unit of Electrical Power

Watt (W), defined as one joule per second.

Milliamperes (mA)

A subunit of current; 1 mA = 10^-3 A.

Microamperes (µA)

A subunit of current; 1 µA = 10^-6 A.

Factors Affecting Resistance

Length, cross-sectional area, and material of the conductor.

Ohm’s Law Equation

V = IR; where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

Electrical Energy Dissipation

The process of energy being converted to heat in a circuit.

Thermal Resistance

The resistance of a material to thermal conduction.

Electromotive Force (emf)

The energy provided by a cell or battery per coulomb of charge.

Electric Filament Material

Typically tungsten, due to its high melting point.

Fuse

A safety device that breaks the electrical circuit when current exceeds a certain limit.

Multimeter

An instrument capable of measuring voltage, current, and resistance.

Electrical Component Symbols

Standardized symbols used to represent components in circuit diagrams.

Electricity in Everyday Items

Electric current is used in lights, heaters, and electronic devices.

Power Rating

The maximum power a device can consume when operating.

Resistivity of Copper

Approximately 1.68 × 10^-8 Ω m, noted for efficiency in electrical applications.

Current Measurement

Using an ammeter to gauge the flow of electric charge in a circuit.

Voltage Drops in Series Circuits

The total voltage across resistors is the sum of individual drops in a series configuration.

Kirchhoff's Laws

Principles relating to the conservation of charge and energy in electrical circuits.

Power Calculation from Resistance

Power can also be calculated using P = I^2R or P = V^2/R formulas.

Magnetic Effect of Electric Current

Electric current generates a magnetic field around it.

Circuit Breaker

A device that automatically stops the flow of electricity in a circuit in case of overload.

Voltage Sources

Devices like batteries and generators that provide electrical energy.

Capacitance

The ability of a system to store an electric charge.

Short Circuit

An unintended low-resistance connection across a voltage source.

Electrical Load

Any device that consumes electric power.

Current (I) Expression

I = Q/t, where I is current, Q is charge, and t is time.

Voltage (V) Expression

V = W/Q, where V is voltage, W is work done, and Q is charge.

Common Resistor Values

Standard resistance values used in electronic components.

Electrical Heating Applications

Devices designed to generate heat through electrical resistance.

Electric Charge Conservation

Charge can neither be created nor destroyed in a circuit.

Power Supply

The source that provides electrical energy to a circuit.

Conductivity

A measure of a material's ability to conduct an electric current.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Measures taken to prevent electric shock and circuit damage.

Electrical Transmission Loss

Energy lost as heat in conductors during power transmission.

Energy Transfer in Circuits

Flow of electrical energy through components performing work.

Electrical Insulation

Materials that prevent unintended flow of current.

Alternating Current (AC)

An electric current that reverses its direction periodically.

Direct Current (DC)

An electric current that flows consistently in one direction.