Electricity, Wave Properties, and Germ Theory Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing basic electrical concepts, safety hazards, optical and acoustical wave properties, applied wave technologies, and Louis Pasteur's Germ Theory.

Electricity

The flow of electric charges through a conductor.

Voltage (V)

Pushes electric current through a circuit.

Current (A)

The flow of electric charge.

Power (W)

The rate at which electricity is used.

Energy (kWh)

Total electricity consumed over time, calculated using the formula $\text{Energy (kWh)} = \frac{\text{Power in watts} \times \text{Time in hours}}{1000}$.

Overloading

An electrical hazard where too many appliances or devices are connected to one outlet, which can cause overheating and fire.

Damaged insulation

Exposed electrical wires that can cause electric shock.

Faulty wiring

An electrical hazard that can cause sparks, overheating, or fire.

Light

An electromagnetic wave that travels much faster than sound.

Reflection

The bouncing of light from a surface.

Refraction

The bending of light when it changes medium, such as making a straw appear bent in water.

Absorption

The process where light energy is absorbed by a material.

Transmission

The process where light passes through a material.

Diffuse reflection

Light reflection that occurs on rough surfaces.

Sound

A mechanical wave produced by vibrating objects that requires a medium and cannot travel through outer space.

Pitch

The highness or lowness of a sound, which depends directly on frequency.

Frequency

The number of vibrations per second; a higher frequency results in a higher pitch.

Loudness

A sound characteristic determined by amplitude; a larger amplitude results in a louder sound.

Amplitude

The height of a sound wave, which determines its loudness.

Fiber Optics

A technology that uses light for internet and communication.

LED

Light-emitting diode; an energy-efficient lighting technology that saves more electricity than incandescent bulbs.

SONAR

A technology that uses sound waves to detect underwater objects.

Radar

A technology that uses radio waves for weather and aircraft detection.

GPS

Navigation and location services that use radio signals from satellites.

Louis Pasteur

A French scientist who developed the Germ Theory and pasteurization.

Germ Theory

The scientific theory stating that microorganisms (germs) cause diseases.

Pasteurization

A process developed by Louis Pasteur that kills harmful microorganisms in food and drinks to help prevent disease.