Electricity and Magnetism Fundamentals

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic electrical and magnetic principles, units, instruments, and devices.

Electric charge

A fundamental property of matter that can be positive or negative, measured in coulombs.

Current

The rate at which electric charge flows through a circuit, measured in amperes, or amps.

Voltage

Measured in volts and can drive current through a circuit.

Resistance

A measure of how strongly a material or component opposes the flow of current, measured in ohms.

Ohm

The unit of electrical resistance, represented by the symbol 2.

Ampere

The unit of electric current, represented by the symbol A.

Volt

The unit of potential difference, represented by the symbol V.

Circuit

A complete conducting path that allows electric charge to flow.

Series circuit

A circuit in which components are connected along a single path for current.

Parallel circuit

A circuit with branches that provide multiple paths for current.

Direct current (DC)

Current that flows in one direction.

Alternating current (AC)

Current that repeatedly reverses direction.

Ammeter

An instrument used to measure current, placed in series with the circuit component being measured.

Voltmeter

An instrument used to measure potential difference, placed in parallel across the component being measured.

Magnetic field

The region around a magnet, current-carrying wire, or moving charge where magnetic forces can act.

Magnetic flux

A measure of the magnetic field passing through a given area.

Electromagnet

A magnet produced by electric current flowing through a coil of wire, often wound around an iron core.

Motor

A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using the interaction of current and magnetic fields.

Generator

A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.