Electric Circuits

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Electric Charge Noun

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[uh-lek-trik charj]

Back

Electric Charge

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A fundamental property of matter, carried by particles like electrons, that causes it to experience a force in an electromagnetic field.

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Example: This image compares the random movement of electric charges (electrons) in a conductor to their organized flow when a voltage is applied.

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Current Noun

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[kur-uhnt]

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Current

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The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor or circuit, typically measured in units called amperes (A).

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Example: A battery powers the flow of charged particles through a conductor (wire), creating an electric current that lights up a bulb.

Front

Voltage Noun

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[vohl-tij]

Back

Voltage

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The difference in electric potential energy between two points that provides the 'push' for current to flow through a circuit.

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Example: This image shows that just like the height of water in a pipe creates pressure to make it flow, voltage is the 'pressure' that pushes electricity.

Front

Resistance Noun

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[ri-zis-tuhns]

Back

Resistance

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The opposition to the flow of electric current within a material or component, measured in units called ohms (Ω).

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Example: The light bulb in this circuit acts as a resistor, opposing the flow of electricity and converting electrical energy into light and heat.

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Load Noun

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[lohd]

Back

Load

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A component in an electrical circuit that consumes electrical energy and converts it into another form, such as light or heat.

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Example: In an electrical circuit, the load is the component that uses energy, like this lightbulb which converts electrical energy into light.

Front

Ohm's Law Noun

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[ohmz law]

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Ohm's Law

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A fundamental principle stating the direct proportionality between the voltage across a conductor and the current flowing through it.

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Example: This diagram shows a simple circuit with a voltage source (V), a resistor (R), and the resulting current (I), illustrating Ohm's Law (I=V/R).

Front

Conductor Noun

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[kuhn-duhk-ter]

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Conductor

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A material that allows electric current to flow through it easily due to the presence of mobile, loosely bound electrons.

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Example: This image shows a penny completing a simple circuit, causing a bulb to light up. This demonstrates that the metal penny is a conductor.

Front

Insulator Noun

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[in-suh-ley-ter]

Back

Insulator

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A material that holds its electrons tightly and strongly resists the flow of electric current, effectively blocking its passage.

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Example: This diagram shows an electrical cable, where the plastic coating (PVC) acts as an insulator, preventing the flow of electricity from the inner copper wire.

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Semiconductor Noun

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[sem-ee-kuhn-duhk-ter]

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Semiconductor

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A material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, whose properties can be precisely controlled.

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Example: This image shows a microchip, a complex electronic circuit built on a small piece of semiconductor material like silicon.

Front

Series Circuit Noun

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[seer-eez sur-kit]

Back

Series Circuit

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An electric circuit where all components are connected end-to-end, providing only one continuous path for the current to flow.

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Example: A battery provides power, which travels through wires and a switch to light up a bulb, showing the basic components of an electrical circuit.