Basic Circuit Concepts and Terminology

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to basic electrical circuits and their components.

Series circuit

Components are connected in one single loop.

Parallel circuit

Components are connected alongside each other in multiple loops.

Conductors

Materials that allow the flow of electricity and heat, e.g., copper, aluminium, gold.

Insulators

Materials that resist the flow of electricity and heat, e.g., plastic, glass, wood.

Energy source

Provides electrons with the energy needed to flow around the circuit by pushing them around the circuit, e.g., battery.

Energy User

Transforms electrical energy into a useful form.

Useful energy

Energy that we want.

Waste energy

Energy that we don't need.

Voltage

The difference in electrical potential energy that causes current to flow; symbol is V and unit is volts.

Resistance

The ratio of voltage to electric current, determined by the material or component; symbol is Ω and unit is Ohms.

Current

The flow of electrical charge; symbol is I and unit is Amps (amperes).

Ohm's Law

Describes the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) as V = I x R.