Electric Current, Ohm’s Law, and Simple Circuits Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for electric current, Ohm's law, and simple circuits.

Electric Current (I)

A generated flow of electrons through a wire, measured in Amps (A).

Direct Current (DC)

Electric current that flows in only one direction.

Alternating Current (AC)

Electric current that changes direction (reverses) periodically.

Current

Charge divided by Time (I = q/t).

Voltage (V)

External work done to move electric charges through a wire. Measured in Volts (V).

Conductivity

A material's ability to PROMOTE the flow of an electric current.

Resistivity

A material's ability to RESIST the flow of an electric current.

Ohm’s Law

Defines the relationships between Electric Current, Voltage, and Resistance.

Electric Power (P)

The rate at which electric energy is consumed, measured in Joules per second (J/s) or Watts (W).

Circuit

A “closed” pathway created for electric charges to flow.

Series Circuit

A circuit with only one linear/consecutive pathway for current to flow.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit with multiple pathways for current to flow.

Open Circuit

A circuit where the electric current is unable to complete the circuit; the circuit will not work.

Closed Circuit

A circuit where the pathway (circuit) is complete, allowing current to flow.