Simple Circuits

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Current Noun

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[kur-uhnt]

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Current

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The flow of electric charge through a circuit, which is measured in a unit called Amperes (A).

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Example: This diagram shows a simple circuit where an electric current, the flow of charged particles, travels from a battery through a conductor to power a light bulb.

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Potential Difference Noun

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[poh-ten-shuhl dif-er-uhns]

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Potential Difference

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The change in electric potential energy between two points in a circuit, also known as voltage, measured in Volts (V).

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Example: This image shows work being done to push a ball up a hill, giving it potential energy. This is like a battery 'pushing' charges to create a potential difference (voltage) in a circuit.

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Resistance Noun

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[ri-zis-tuhns]

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Resistance

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The opposition to the flow of electric current through a material or component, which is measured in Ohms (Ω).

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Example: This diagram uses a water pipe analogy to show that resistance is a force that squeezes or narrows a pathway, making it harder for the current to flow.

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Resistor Noun

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[ri-zis-ter]

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Resistor

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An electrical component specifically designed to have a certain amount of resistance to oppose the flow of electric current.

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Example: This image shows a resistor, an electrical component that reduces current flow, and its zigzag symbol used in circuit diagrams.

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Power Noun

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[pou-er]

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Power

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The rate at which electrical energy is converted into other forms, such as light or heat, measured in Watts (W).

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Example: This simple circuit shows a battery providing electrical power, which flows through wires to light up a bulb, demonstrating power as energy being used.

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Series Circuit Noun

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[seer-eez sur-kit]

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Series Circuit

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An electric circuit in which there is only one path for the current to flow through all of its components.

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Example: In a series circuit, electricity flows from a power source (battery) along a single path through components like a switch and a light bulb.

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Parallel Circuit Noun

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[par-uh-lel sur-kit]

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Parallel Circuit

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An electric circuit in which there are several different paths for the current to flow through its various components.

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Example: This diagram shows a parallel circuit where electric current from the battery splits to flow through multiple paths, lighting up each bulb independently.

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Equivalent Resistance Noun

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[ih-kwiv-uh-luhnt ri-zis-tuhns]

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Equivalent Resistance

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The total resistance of a circuit, calculated as a single value representing the combined effect of all individual resistors.

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Example: This diagram shows how a complex circuit with multiple resistors (light bulbs) can be simplified into an equivalent circuit with a single resistor (Req).

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Voltage Divider Noun

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[vohl-tij dih-vahy-der]

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Voltage Divider

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A series circuit that produces an output voltage that is a fraction of its input voltage, determined by resistor values.

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Example: This circuit diagram shows how an input voltage (Vin) is divided by two resistors in series (R1, R2) to produce a smaller, predictable output voltage (Vout).

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Photoresistor Noun

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[foh-toh-ri-zis-ter]

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Photoresistor

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A light-sensitive resistor whose resistance decreases as the intensity of light striking it increases, used in light-sensing circuits.

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Example: This diagram shows the parts of a photoresistor, a component in simple circuits. The key part is the 'photoconductive material' whose electrical resistance changes with light.