Circuits

the flow of electric charge, specifically the movement of electrons, through a conductor

current

any material that electrical charges can

move through.

conductor

refers to how easily the charges

move through a material

conductivity

device that converts electrical energy into another type of energy.

load

electrical components used in circuits to decrease current and convert electrical energy into other forms of energy.

resistors

source of electrical energy (usually

battery)

source

the electric potential difference between two points; it’s the force that pushes electric charges through a circuit.

voltage

I

current symbol

A

current unit

R

resistance symbol

Ω (ohm)

resistance unit

V

voltage symbol and unit

any material through which charges cannot travel at all.

insulator

Like charges repel each other; unlike charges attract

law of electric charge

any object or substance that has an imbalance of electric charge—meaning it has either more electrons than protons (negative charge) or fewer electrons than protons (positive charge).

charged material

Before two materials are rubbed together, they have equal numbers of protons and electrons- they are electrically neutral.

uncharged material

the buildup of electric charge, typically on the surface of an object, that can't flow away

static electricity

where two or more wires or parts of a circuit are connected

junction point

Current is the same everywhere. Voltage is divided.

series circuit

Voltage is the same across each branch. Current is split.

parallel circuit

Electrons transfer between two different materials when rubbed.
The one that loses electrons becomes positive; the one that gains electrons becomes negative.

Charging by Friction

is the property of any material that slows down the flow of electrons. It can be thought of as friction through a conductor.

resistance