Electricity Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for electricity review.

Static Electricity

The buildup of an electrical charge on the surface of an object.

Law of Electrostatics

Like charges repel, opposite charges attract.

Like charges repel ⚡️

Two positive (+) charges push away from each other. Two negative (-) charges push away from each other.

Opposite charges attract 🧲

A positive (+) charge pulls a negative (-) charge toward it.

Neutral objects are attracted to charged objects

A charged object can pull in a neutral object because it rearranges the electrons inside the neutral object.

Negatively Charged Object

An object with more electrons than protons.

Positively Charged Object

An object with fewer electrons than protons.

Example of charged objects

Rubbing a balloon on your hair. Balloon gains electrons → Negative, Hair loses electrons → Positive

Conductors

Materials that allow the free movement of electrons (e.g., copper).

Insulators

Materials that restrict or prevent electron movement (e.g., ceramic).

Charging by Friction

Transfer of electrons between two different materials when rubbed together.

Charging by Conduction (Contact)

Charging a neutral object by touching it with a charged object.

Example of charging by conduction

Touching a charged rod to a neutral metal sphere.

Charging by Induction

Charging a neutral object by bringing a charged object near it, then grounding it.

Example of charging by conduction

Negative rod + ground = sphere ends up positive.

Grounding

Connecting an object to the earth to allow excess charge to flow away.

Electrical discharge

When excess charge quickly moves from one object to another.

Current Electricity

A form of electricity in which charges constantly flow.

Energy Source

Provides electrical energy in a circuit (e.g., battery).

Conducting Wires

Pathway for electron flow in a circuit.

Load

Converts electrical energy into another form (e.g., light, heat).

Switch

Opens or closes a circuit.

Current (I)

The rate of electron flow in a circuit, measured in Amperes (A).

Voltage (V)

The force that pushes electrons through a circuit, measured in Volts (V).

Resistance (R)

Opposition to the flow of electrons in a circuit, measured in Ohms (Ω).

Series Circuit

A circuit where components are connected one after another along a single path.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where components are connected along multiple paths.

Compare the between series vs. parallel circuits.

Series circuits are simple but less reliable. Parallel circuits are more complex but safer.

Temperature

Higher temperatures increase resistance because atoms vibrate more, causing more collisions.

Length of the Wire

Longer wires increase resistance because electrons encounter more atoms.

Cross-Sectional Area

Thicker wires have lower resistance, just like a wide pipe allows more water flow.

Type of Material

Conductors have low resistance, while insulators have high resistance.