Electricity Key Concepts and Circuit Symbols

Vocabulary flashcards covering electrical concepts (potential difference, current, resistance, charge equation) and standard circuit components from the lecture notes.

Potential Difference (pd)

The voltage of a supply that provides the push in a circuit to allow current to flow, measured in volts ($\text{V}$).

Current

The flow of electrons ($e^-$) in a circuit, measured in amperes ($\text{A}$).

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of current that slows down electrons ($e^-$), measured in ohms ($\Omega$).

Charge Formula

$\text{Charge (C)} = \text{Current (A)} \times \text{Time (s)}$ ($Q = I \times T$).

Diode

A circuit component that allows current / electrons ($e^-$) to flow in only one direction.

LED

Light Emitting Diode.

LDR

Light Dependent Resistor.

Thermistor

A temperature-dependent resistor whose resistance changes with temperature.

Resistor

A component used to oppose and restrict the flow of electrical current in a circuit.

Variable Resistor

A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted to control the amount of current in a circuit.

Fuse

A safety component in a circuit designed to melt and break the circuit if current exceeds a safe level.

Ammeter

An instrument used to measure electric current in amperes ($\text{A}$).

Voltmeter

An instrument used to measure potential difference (voltage) in volts ($\text{V}$).

Cell

A single electrical energy supply that provides potential difference to drive current.

Battery

A power source composed of two or more electrical cells connected together.