Circuits

Front

Electric Circuit Noun

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[uh-lek-trik sur-kit]

Back

Electric Circuit

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A closed, conducting path or loop that allows electrical charges to flow from a power source to a load.

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

Front

Load Noun

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[lohd]

Back

Load

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A device or component in an electrical circuit that consumes electrical energy and converts it into another form of energy.

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Example: The light bulb is the load in this circuit; it consumes electrical energy from the battery and converts it into light and heat.

Front

Electric Current Noun

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[uh-lek-trik kur-uhnt]

Back

Electric Current

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The rate of flow of electric charge through a conductor or circuit, which is measured in amperes (A).

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Example: When a voltage is applied to a conductor, free electrons stop moving randomly and flow in a single direction, creating an electric current.

Front

Voltage Noun

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[vohl-tij]

Back

Voltage

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The electric potential difference between two points in a circuit that provides the pressure to move charged particles.

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Example: This diagram shows that just as the height of water in a tank creates pressure to push water out, voltage is the 'pressure' that pushes electricity through a circuit.

Front

Resistance Noun

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[ri-zis-tuhns]

Back

Resistance

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The measure of opposition to the flow of electric current through a material or device, measured in ohms (Ω).

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Example: This circuit diagram shows a lightbulb (R) acting as resistance, which opposes the flow of electric current (I) from the battery (V).

Front

Voltage Drop Noun

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[vohl-tij drop]

Back

Voltage Drop

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The reduction in electrical potential energy as current flows through a resistive element in a circuit.

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Example: This diagram shows an electric current flowing from a voltage source through a resistor, causing a drop in electrical potential (voltage) across the resistor.

Front

Power Noun

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[pou-er]

Back

Power

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The rate at which electrical energy is transferred or converted by an electric circuit, measured in watts (W).

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Example: This diagram shows a generator converting motion into electrical energy, which provides the power to light up the bulb in the circuit.

Front

Ammeter Noun

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[am-mee-ter]

Back

Ammeter

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An instrument used for measuring electric current in amperes, which is always connected in series within a circuit.

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Example: This diagram shows an ammeter, labeled 'A', connected in series within a simple circuit to measure the electric current from the battery.

Front

Voltmeter Noun

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[vohlt-mee-ter]

Back

Voltmeter

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An instrument used for measuring voltage or potential difference, which is always connected in parallel across a component.

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Example: A voltmeter is connected in parallel with a circuit component, like a resistor, to measure the voltage (potential difference) across that specific part.

Front

Open Circuit Noun

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[oh-pen sur-kit]

Back

Open Circuit

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An incomplete electrical circuit in which current cannot flow due to a break or an open switch in the path.

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Example: This diagram shows an open circuit where a switch creates a break in the path, preventing electricity from flowing from the battery to the light bulb.