chapter 12 and 13 test review

Insulators

Materials that prevent the movement of electrons, typically non-metals like oil, fur, wool, silk, plastic, wood, and pure water.

Conductor

Materials that allow the movement of electrons, with examples like the human body, earth, salt water, and metals.

Battery/Source

Provides chemical energy to the circuit.

Load

Device that converts electrical energy into another form of usable energy, such as light bulbs or motors.

Switch

Device that controls the electric current, allowing it to be turned on or off.

Conducting Wire

Connects all components of the circuit and allows electricity to flow.

Ammeter

Device used to measure electric current, must be in series with the load, and set to the highest current setting.

Voltmeter

Used to measure potential difference, must be connected in parallel, and shows voltage drops across loads or sources.

Ohmmeter

Device used to measure resistance, placed in parallel with a load.

Resistor

Device that reduces the flow of electric current, like a dimmer switch.

Potential Difference/Voltage

The difference in electric potential energy measured at two points before and after current passes through.

Resistance

Ability of a substance to slow down electric current flow, creating heat, with factors like length, cross-sectional area, temperature, and material affecting it.

Fuse

Safety mechanism in a circuit that blows if it overheats.

Renewable Resource

Natural energy source that is unlimited or replenished relatively quickly.

Non-Renewable Resource

Resource that cannot be replaced as quickly as it is consumed.

Alternative Energy

Energy from natural and renewable sources like solar or wind.

Ohm's Law

Describes the relationship between resistance, voltage, and current in a circuit.