Electricity and Circuits

These flashcards cover key terms, processes, laws, components, and circuit types related to electricity, ensuring a comprehensive review for the exam.

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space; made of atoms.

Static Electricity

A charge imbalance caused by excess electric charge on an object.

Electric Field

The region around a charged object where it can exert a force on other charges.

Electric Current (I)

The net movement of electric charges in one direction; measured in Amperes (Amps).

Voltage Difference (V)

The 'push' or force that causes charges to move; measured in Volts (V).

Resistance (R)

The tendency of a material to oppose the flow of electrons; measured in Ohms (Ω).

Ohm’s Law

Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance: V = IR.

Law of Conservation of Charge

Charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. Total charge remains constant.

Conduction

Electrons transfer through direct contact.

Friction

Electrons transfer when objects are rubbed together.

Induction

Electrons move due to electric fields at a distance (no contact needed).

Battery

Provides voltage by converting chemical energy to electrical energy.

Circuit

A closed path that allows current to flow.

Resistor

Opposes the flow of current.

Ammeter

Measures current; must be placed in series.

Voltmeter

Measures voltage drop; must be placed in parallel.

Series Circuit

One path for current; all components must function; more resistance = less current; voltage divides across components.

Parallel Circuit

Multiple paths for current; components function independently; adding paths reduces resistance.

Conductors

Materials that allow electrons to flow (e.g., copper).

Insulators

Materials that block electron flow (e.g., plastic, rubber).

Lightning

A form of static discharge.

Series Circuit Summary

One pathway for current; all components must work; resistance increases with components; current is the same.

Parallel Circuit Summary

Multiple pathways for current; components can work independently; resistance decreases with branches; current splits.