Electric Current & Electricity Flashcards

Electric current

The flow of electric charges through a material.

Rate of electric current

The rate of electric current through a wire is how much charge passes a place in a certain amount of time.

Ampere (Amp or A)

The unit used for the rate of electric current.

Electric circuit

An unbroken path through which electric charges flow.

Conductor

Transfers electric charge well; metals are good examples.

Insulator

Does not transfer electric charge well; rubber, glass, plastic, and wood are good examples.

Voltage

The difference in electrical potential energy between two places in a circuit; also known as potential difference.

Resistance

The measure of how hard it is for charges to flow through a material; unit of measure is the Ω (ohms).

Features of a Circuit

Circuits have devices run by electrical energy, a source of electrical energy, and conducting wires.

Series circuit

Has all parts of the circuit connected on one path.

Has more than one path for current