Electrical Principles and Ecosystem Dynamics

Vocabulary practice cards focusing on electricity, circuits, energy transformations, and ecological trophic levels based on the lecture transcripts.

Electrical Power

Power equals energy per unit time, expressed as $P = \frac{E}{t}$.

Charging by Friction

Transfer of electrons between two materials by rubbing, creating opposite charges on each.

Charging by Contact

Movement of electrons from a charged object to a neutral one when they touch, producing an imbalance.

Charging by Induction

Redistribution of electrons in a neutral object caused by a nearby charged object, followed by grounding.

Grounding

Process where electrons flow into or out of an object to make it neutral; the Earth is considered neutral due to its large size and constant movement of electrons.

Lightning Formation

Separation of positive and negative charges in a cloud and between the cloud and ground, leading to a rapid discharge.

Electric Current

Rate at which electric charge passes a point, measured in amperes.

Electric Charge

Quantity of electrons or protons, measured in coulombs; calculated as $Q = \frac{E}{V}$.

Electrical Cost

The product of electrical energy used and the utility rate.

Series Circuit

Configuration where components share a single path, giving identical current through each.

Parallel Circuit

Configuration with multiple branches where each experiences the same voltage while currents divide.

Open Circuit

A break in the pathway that stops current flow.

Closed Circuit

A complete loop that allows current to travel uninterrupted.

Short Circuit

Unintended low-resistance path that bypasses intended loads, causing excessive current.

Kirchhoff's Current Law

The sum of currents entering a junction equals the sum of currents leaving it.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

The algebraic sum of potential differences around any closed loop equals zero.

Multimeter Usage – Voltage

Connect the red probe to the V jack, select DCV, and touch probes across the component.

Multimeter Usage – Current

Insert probes into the A jack, set to the appropriate range, and place the multimeter in series with the circuit.

Multimeter Usage – Resistance

Place probes across the component, select the $\Omega$ setting, and ensure power is off.

Load

A device in a circuit that converts electrical energy into another form, such as heat or light.

Ecosystem

All the living organisms sharing a group of natural homes and interacting with each other and the abiotic parts of their environment.

Biosphere

The global zone where life exists, encompassing land, water, and atmosphere.

Water Cycle

Continuous movement of water among evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Photosynthesis

Process where plants use $0.03\%$ of radiant energy to produce food; the reaction is $CO_2 + \text{water} = \text{glucose} + \text{oxygen}$.

10% Energy Transfer Rule

Only about one-tenth of energy passes from one trophic level to the next.

Producer (Autotroph)

Organism that creates its own organic matter using sunlight or chemical energy, occupying the 1st trophic level.

Herbivore (Primary Consumer)

Animal that feeds directly on producers, occupying the 2nd trophic level.

Carnivore (Secondary Consumer)

Organism that eats herbivores or other primary consumers, occupying the 3rd trophic level.

Apex Predator

A top-level carnivore with no natural predators.

Decomposer

Species that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients.

Ecological Pyramid of Numbers

Diagram showing the count of individuals at each trophic level.

Ecological Pyramid of Biomass

Illustration of the total mass of living tissue per trophic level.

Ecological Pyramid of Energy

Representation of energy available at each level, reflecting the 10% rule.

Electrical Resistance

Opposition to the flow of charge, expressed by the formula $R = I V$ [as per transcript].

Electrical Energy

Energy equals charge multiplied by potential difference, expressed as $E = Q \times V$.

Voltage

Also known as Electrical Potential, potential drop, or electrostatic potential; it is the difference in electrical energy between two points.

Ohm's Law (Voltage)

Voltage equals current multiplied by resistance, expressed as $V = I \times R$.

Time in Electrical Calculations

Time equals charge divided by current, expressed as $t = \frac{Q}{I}$.

Electrical Energy (kWh)

$\text{Energy (kWh)} = \text{Power (kW)} \times \text{Time (h)}$.

Static Electricity

Electric charge that remains stationary on an object's surface.

Ohm's Law (Current)

Current equals voltage divided by resistance, expressed as $I = \frac{V}{R}$.

Gaia Hypothesis

The idea that Earth functions as a self-regulating system maintaining stable conditions.

Schematic Symbol for Resistor

A zig-zag line representing opposition to current flow.

Resistance Factors

1. Material (conductors have less), 2. Length (more distance = more resistance), 3. Size of Cross Section (wider = more room), 4. Temperature (higher temp = faster atoms and more friction).

Electrical Efficiency

$\frac{\text{total energy output} - \text{Useful total output}}{\text{total energy output}} \times 100\%$ [as per transcript].

Cellular Respiration

The opposite process of photosynthesis performed by all living organisms to use stored food energy; the reaction is $\text{glucose} + \text{oxygen} = \text{water} + CO_2$.