Physical World

Electrical Circuit

A closed loop that provides a path for the transfer of electrical energy from an energy source to an electrical component.

Voltage

A measure of the amount of energy supplied to the charges by the voltage source.

Resistance

A measure of how difficult it is for current to flow through a material or component.

Current

The flow of charge formed by electrons moving along wires in an electric circuit.

Ohm’s Law

The relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) defined by the formula V = IR.

Supply Voltage

The energy provided to electrons by the circuit's energy source, determining their 'push' through the circuit.

Voltage Drop

The loss of energy by electrons as they pass through a component, calculated by V=IR.

Ammeter

An instrument used to measure the current in a circuit.

Voltmeter

An instrument used to measure the voltage across a component.

Series Circuit

A circuit configuration where components are connected one after another, with the same current flowing through each.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit configuration where components are connected in branches, allowing current to split.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Ionic Compound

A compound formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Acid

A compound that releases hydrogen ions (H+) in aqueous solutions and has a pH less than 7.

Base

A compound that releases hydroxide ions (OH−) in aqueous solutions and has a pH greater than 7.

pH Scale

A measure of the acidity or basicity of a substance, ranging from 0 to 14.

Chemical Change

A process resulting in the formation of one or more new substances with new properties.

Physical Change

A change in state or appearance of a substance without forming a new substance.

Transverse Wave

A wave where the particle movement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave where the particle movement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Frequency

The number of wavelengths that pass through a single point within one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Wavelength

The distance between two successive waves, typically measured in meters.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.

Speed of Light

The speed at which light travels in a vacuum, approximately 300,000 m/s.