The force that pushes electrons through a circuit. It is caused by the difference
in electrical potential energy between two places in a circuit.
Voltage
An instrument that measures differences in energy potential. Unit=volt.
Voltmeter
How fast a charge flows through a conductor over a given period of time.
Current
An instrument that measures current. Unit =amp
Ammeter
A circuit with just one pathway for the charge to flow.
Series Circuit
A circuit that has several pathways for a charge to flow.
Parallel Circuit
A measure of how hard it is for a charge to flow through a material.
Resistance
Any material that allows charges to move easily through them. Metals are an
example.
Conductor
A proton or an electron.
Charge
A device that creates a potential difference in an electric circuit. Examples include a battery, generator or solar cell.
Voltage Source
A circuit with a break in it that does not allow a charge to flow through.
Open Circuit
A continuous path for a charge to freely flow through.
Closed Circuit
The change of energy from one form to another, such as electrical energy into
sound.
Energy Transfer
4 factors that in-crease resistance of
a wire.
Less conductive wires.
Increase temperature.
Decrease diameter of wire
Increase length of wire.
4 factors that de-crease resistance of a wire.
More conductive wires.
Decrease temperature
Increase diameter of wire
Decrease the length
If resistance in-creases, then cur-ent
Decreases
If resistance de-creases, then cur-ent
Increases
3 basic parts of a
circuit.
Load, wires, voltage source (battery).
Insulator.
Resists the flow of charge. Rubber and plastic are examples.
When a light switch
is off, the circuit is.
Open.
