Charges and Circuits Vocab Review

electricity

The flow of electrons

Alternating Current (AC)

Type of electric current in which charges switch from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction

Direct Current (DC)

Type of electric current in which the charges always flow in the same direction

static electricity

A buildup of charges on an object.

conduction

Transfer of electrons from one object to another through direct contact

induction

The transfer of charges from one object to another without direct contact

conductor

A material that allows charges (like electrical current) to flow easily; any material which easily transfers energy (examples: metals, water)

insulator

A material, such as wood, glass, or plastic, that does not allow charges to flow easily; any material which poorly transfers energy

semi-conductor

A substance that conducts electric current better than insulator but not as well as a conductor

circuit

A complete closed path for electric current

series circuit

A circuit where all parts are connected in a single loop, offering only one possible path for charges to flow

parallel circuit

A circuit in which different loads are on separate branches, offering more than one route for the flow charges

friction

The transfer of electrons when two objects are rubbed together

electric discharge

The loss of static electricity as electrons move off an object

resistor

Anything that restricts the flow of electric current

current

A continuous flow of electricity; The rate charges pass a given point; Expressed in Amperes (A)

resistance

Measure of how easily charges flow through a substance or device; Opposition to the flow of electric charges; Expressed in Ohms

Voltage (potential difference)

The difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit; Expressed in Volts (V)

Volts

the unit used to measure Voltage (V)

Ohms

the unit used to measure Resistance (Ω)

Amperes

the unit used to measure Current (A)