Natural Sciences: Electric Circuits, Energy Resources, and Pollution

Vocabulary flashcards covering electric circuit components, parameters, alternative energy sources, transmission infrastructure, and environmental impacts.

Cell

A single electrical unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.

Conventional Current

Electric current that flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a battery.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit that provides more than one pathway for current to flow.

Insulation

Plastic covering on electric wires that prevents electric current from escaping.

Electrodes

Solid conductors located inside a battery.

Factors Influencing Conductor Resistance

The factors that influence the resistance of a metal conductor: length, thickness (cross-sectional area), type of metal material, and temperature.

Electric Current

The rate of flow of electric charge moving through a circuit.

Circuit Lamp Brightness (Figure 10.29)

Circuit (b) has the brightest lamps because $4$ cells in series provide maximum overall voltage, and the $3$ lamps are connected in parallel, giving each lamp the full potential difference of the battery.

Short Circuit

An unintended connection of low resistance that creates excessive current flow; prevented using proper wire insulation, fuses, or circuit breakers.

Three-Pin Plug Wiring

The correct arrangement of three insulated wires inside a plug: brown (live wire), blue (neutral wire), and green/yellow (earth wire).

Power Surge

A sudden, brief increase in voltage within an electrical circuit.

Transformers

Devices that can increase or decrease electric voltage.

Transmission Lines

Thick cables used to transmit or carry electricity over distances.

Pylons

Tall metal structures used as a support for overhead electricity cables.

Transformed Energy

Electricity that has been changed in form or voltage level.

Wind Energy

A clean, sustainable, and free resource without toxic emissions or waste products, harvested using turbines at specific speeds.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated from the movement of water falling from a higher to a lower level to turn turbines inside dams.