Electricity and Circuits

Flashcards based on lecture notes about electricity

Insulator

A material that restricts the flow of electrons, keeping us safe.

Free Electrons (in Copper)

Without current, they move randomly between other atoms.

Voltage

When connected to a power source, voltage forces electrons to move in the same direction.

Electricity

A kind of energy. Everything is made of tiny atoms.

Atoms

Made from three particles: neutrons, protons, and electrons.

Nucleus

The center of the atom, containing neutrons and protons.

Neutrons

Particles in the nucleus with no charge.

Protons

Particles in the nucleus with a positive charge.

Conductors

Atoms which can easily pass electrons (e.g., metals or copper).

Insulators

Atoms which do not have free electrons and cannot easily pass electrons (e.g., rubber, glass, silicone rubber).

Combining Conductors and Insulators

Allows us to safely use electricity by having the conductor in the center surrounded by an insulator.

Circuits

The route electrons flow along, between the positive and negative terminals.

Closed Circuit

Electrons are able to flow around the circuit.

Open Circuit

Electrons are not able to flow.