AG

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)