Electricity and Magnetism Vocabulary- SHMS

A set of flashcards covering key terms and academic vocabulary for electricity and magnetism, including components, specific laws, and materials.

Circuit

A complete, closed pathway through which electric charges flow

Conductor

A material that allows the flow of energy through it; typically metal.

Current

The rate at which electric charges pass a point in a circuit; the rate of flow of electrons; measured in amps $(A)$.

Current Electricity

The energy of moving electrical charges, also known as electrical energy. Flowing electric charges.

Diode

An electric device, made of a semiconductors, that only allows electric current to flow in one direction. An LED is an example.

Electromagnet

A temporary magnet that can be turned on and off; composed of an iron core, solenoid, and power source.

Insulator

A material that resists the flow of energy; typically nonmetals like plastic, wood, fabric, etc.

Law of Electric Charges

Opposite charges attract (like a positive and a negative) and like charges repel (like a negative and a negative or a positive and a positive).

Magnet

A material that contains and/or attracts iron.

Magnetic Field

The area around the magnet where magnetic forces can act. The strength of the field can be determined by the number of lines and distance between the lines.

Ohm’s Law

The voltage of a circuit is equal to the product of the current and the resistance. $V = IR$ where $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, and $R$ is resistance.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit in which the loads are wired on different branches; the charges have multiple paths in which to return to the power source.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric charges in a circuit; measured in Ohms.

Semiconductor

A material that conducts electricity under specific circumstances, like high temperatures or in a particular direction.

Series Circuit

A circuit in which all parts are connected in a single loop.

Static Electricity

The buildup of electric charges on the surface of an object.

Transistor

An electronic device, made of semiconductors, that can amplify a signal (energy) or act as a switch in a circuit.

Voltage

The energy in a circuit, also known as potential difference; measured in volts $(V)$. Think of it as the "push" that moves the electrons.