Series and Parallel Circuits

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Electricity Noun

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[eh-lek-tris-i-tee]

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Electricity

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A form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charges, typically through wires, conductors, and electrical devices.

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Example: This image shows electricity transmission towers and power lines, which carry high-voltage electricity over long distances from power plants to cities.

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Electric Circuit Noun

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[eh-lek-trik sur-kit]

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Electric Circuit

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A complete, conducting path through which an electric current can flow from a source and back again.

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Example: This diagram shows a simple electric circuit, where a battery provides energy for charged particles to flow through a conductor (wire) and power a light bulb.

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Electric Current (I) Noun

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[eh-lek-trik kur-ent]

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Electric Current (I)

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The rate of flow of charged particles, such as electrons, through a conductor, measured in units called Amperes (A).

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Example: This image shows that without voltage, electrons in a conductor move randomly. When voltage is applied, the electrons flow in an organized direction, creating an electric current.

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Voltage (V) Noun

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[vohl-tij]

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Voltage (V)

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The electrical potential difference from a source that provides the 'push' to move electrons, measured in Volts (V).

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Example: This analogy shows voltage as water pressure. The same voltage (water height) pushes water through two pipes, but the flow (current) is less in the narrower pipe (higher resistance).

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Resistance (R) Noun

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[ri-zis-tuhns]

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Resistance (R)

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A measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit, which is measured in units called Ohms (Ω).

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Example: This diagram shows a simple circuit where a battery (V) pushes current (I) through a light bulb, which acts as a resistance (R), slowing the flow of electricity.

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Conductor Noun

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[kuhn-duhk-ter]

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Conductor

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A material or device that allows electric current to flow through it easily due to its low electrical resistance.

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Example: This image shows that the inner copper part of a wire is the conductor, which allows electricity to flow, while the outer rubber is an insulator.

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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 designed to have a specific amount of resistance to reduce current flow in a circuit.

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Example: This diagram shows a resistor (R) in a simple circuit. It resists the flow of electric current (I) from the voltage source (V), demonstrating its primary function.

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Capacitor Noun

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[kuh-pas-i-ter]

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Capacitor

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An electrical component that stores electrical energy in an electric field between a pair of conductors.

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Example: This diagram shows the basic structure of a capacitor, which consists of two metal plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.

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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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A type of circuit where all components are connected in a single loop, providing only one path for the current.

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Example: This diagram shows a series circuit where electricity flows from a battery, through a switch and a light bulb, in a single, unbroken path.

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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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A type of circuit that provides multiple pathways or branches for the electric current to flow through its components.

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Example: This diagram shows a parallel circuit, where electrical components (resistors R1, R2, R3) are connected in separate branches, providing multiple paths for the current.