Electric Current and Circuits

Parallel Connection

• A type of connection in which there is only one current path to follow.

• A type of connection in which there are two or more current paths to follow.

• A type of connection that only allows alternating current.

• A type of connection that is used exclusively in series circuits.

Combination Series-Parallel Circuit

• A simple electric circuit with only one path for current flow.

• A complex electric circuit that includes both series and parallel branches.

• A circuit that only operates with alternating current.

• A circuit that has no resistors or capacitors.

Series Circuit

• A type of electric circuit with multiple current paths.

• A type of electric circuit where current is the same everywhere and travels through each device.

• A circuit that only allows current to flow in one direction.

• A type of circuit that has no resistance.

Electric Current

• A flow of charged particles.

• A type of electrical resistance.

• A measure of voltage in a circuit.

• A static charge that builds up on surfaces.

Conventional Current

• The direction in which a positive test charge moves.

• The direction in which electrons move.

• The direction of current flow in a circuit regardless of charge type.

• The direction of magnetic field lines.

kilowatt-hour

• An energy unit used by electric companies to measure energy sales; 1 kWh is equal to 1000 watts (W) delivered continuously for 3600 s (1h).

• A measure of electrical power equivalent to 1000 joules per second.

• A unit of energy equivalent to the energy transferred when one watt of power is used for one hour.

• A standard measurement for the energy consumption of household appliances.

Fuse

• A device that amplifies electrical signals.

• A short piece of metal that acts as a safety device by melting and stopping the current when too large a current passes through it.

• A type of circuit breaker that can be reset.

• A component that stores electrical energy for later use.

Parallel Circuit

• A type of electric circuit where the total current is equal to the sum of the currents in the individual branches.

• A circuit that only allows current to flow in one path.

• A type of circuit that requires all components to be connected in a single loop.

• A circuit where the current is divided among multiple paths, and if one path is opened, the current in the others is also interrupted.

Voltage Divider

• A circuit that converts AC to DC voltage.

• A series circuit that produces a potential difference from a higher voltage source.

• A parallel circuit that increases the voltage across components.

• A circuit that stores electrical energy in a magnetic field.

Ampere

• A unit of electrical resistance equal to one Ohm

• A flow of electrical charge, or electric current, equal to one Coulomb per second (1 C/s)

• A measure of electrical power equal to one Watt

• A type of electrical circuit that allows current to flow in one direction