Electric Charge and Circuits Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to electric charge and circuits, providing definitions and important concepts from the lecture notes.

Static Electricity

When different materials are rubbed together, electrons leave one surface and collect on another

● Ex. Electrons transfer from a carpet to shoes, whichmay feel shock at touch

Proton

A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that can be transferred to or shared with another atom.

Electric Charge

1. Some materials gain electrons and end up with a negative charge

2. Some materials lose electrons and end up with a positive charge

Positive Charge

A condition where an object has more protons than electrons.

Negative Charge

A condition where an object has more electrons than protons.

Law of Electric Charges

States that like charges repel and opposite charges attract.

Induced Charge Separation

The redistribution of electric charge in an object due to the presence of a nearby charged object.

Pitch Ball Electroscope

● Neutral

● Charged object will attract the Pith Ball

Metal Leaf Electroscope

● Electrons in a neutral object shift when a charged object is brought close to it.

● Ex. Negatively charged balloon come close to a neutral wall

● Electrons in the wall move away from balloon leaving positive charge

Charging by Contact

The process of transferring charge from one object to another through direct contact.

Electronegativity

The ability of an atom to attract and hold onto its electrons.

Conduction

The process of transferring electric charge between two objects through direct contact.

Grounding

The process of connecting a charged object to the Earth, allowing charges to flow to or from the object.

Electric Discharge

The rapid transfer of electrons from one object to another, often felt as a shock.

Conductors

Materials that allow electrons to flow easily, such as metals.

Insulators

Materials that do not allow the flow of electrons easily, such as rubber and plastic.

Voltage

The difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in a circuit.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current within a material.

Ohm's Law

A fundamental principle that relates voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit, expressed as V = IR.

Series Circuit

A circuit in which all components are connected end-to-end, providing only one path for current to flow.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit in which components are connected across common points, providing multiple paths for current to flow.

Phantom Load

The energy consumed by devices that are plugged in but not in use.