Chapter 6 Vocabulary

Section 1: Fundamental Concepts of Electricity

Law of Conservation of Charge

• States that charge can neither be created nor destroyed, but can only be transferred from one object to another.

• Understanding this law is crucial for analyzing electric phenomena. (p. 171)

Static Electricity

• Refers to the accumulation of excess electric charge on an object.

• Occurs when charge is transferred from one object to another, leading to an imbalance of charge on surfaces. (p. 170)

Electric Field

• Defined as a region surrounding every electric charge where forces of attraction or repulsion are exerted on other electric charges. (p. 172)

Conductor

• Materials (e.g., copper wire) through which electrons can move easily.

• Conductors are essential in transporting electric charges through circuits. (p. 173)

Insulator

• Materials in which electrons and thermal energy cannot move easily.

• Insulators prevent the flow of electric current, making them useful for insulating wires and components. (p. 173)

Charging by Contact

• The process of transferring electrical charge between objects by direct touch or rubbing.

• This is a common method of electrostatic charge transfer. (p. 174)

Charging by Induction

• Involves rearranging electrons in a neutral object due to the proximity of a charged object.

• This does not require direct contact and can result in temporary charge distribution. (p. 174)

Electroscope

• A device, often with two metallic leaves, used to detect the presence of electric charge.

• A crucial tool in demonstrating the principles of static electricity and charge detection. (p. 176)

Section 2: Electric Current and Circuits

Electric Current

• Defined as the net movement of electric charges in a single direction, measured in amperes (A).

• Essential for the functioning of electrical devices. (p. 178)

Voltage Difference

• Related to the force that causes electric charges to flow; measured in volts (V).

• Voltage acts as the driving force behind the electric current movement. (p. 178)

Resistance

• Describes the tendency of a material to oppose the flow of electrons.

• Resistance converts electrical energy into other forms, such as thermal energy and light; it is measured in ohms (Ω). (p. 181)

Electric Circuit

• A closed path that electric current follows.

• Electrical circuits are fundamental for powering devices and systems. (p. 179)

Ohm's Law

• States that current (I) in a circuit equals the voltage difference (V) divided by the resistance (R), expressed as I = V/R. (p. 182)

Section 3: Types of Electric Circuits

Series Circuit

• A circuit where electric current can only follow one path.

• If one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted. (p. 185)

Parallel Circuit

• A circuit that provides multiple paths for electric current to flow.

• Failure of one component does not affect the entire circuit, allowing for continued operation of others. (p. 186)

Electrical Power

• Defined as the rate at which electrical energy is converted into another form of energy; expressed in watts (W).

• Understanding electrical power is essential for evaluating the energy consumption of devices. (p. 188)