Science Review: Characteristics of Electricity
Terms and Definitions
Write a scientific definition or a description for each of the following terms, use
your notes, glossary from science textbook (in class), or internet search.
Electric Charge
Electric Discharge
Insulator
Conductor
Galvanometer
Voltmeter
Ammeter
Lightening rod
Fuse
Energy
Circuit
Flow of electricity
Penstock
Cogeneration
Watts
Power
Understanding the Big Concepts
1. Describe how static electricity is created.
2. State the three laws of electric charges. First one is completed for you.

Opposite charges attract


3. What are the three main parts of an atom? What charge does each part have?
4. Describe how plastic wrap and fabric softeners involve static electricity to
work.
5. Who invented the first battery?
6. Who was the first to discover the principle of static electricity in approximately
600 BC by rubbing amber and fur together?
7. Draw the symbols which represent the following in a circuit diagram:

Cell or battery

Light

Resistor

Open switch

Closed switch

Wire
8. Draw a series circuit and a parallel circuit.
9. Besides a light, provide 3 examples of a resistor.
10. What is the relationship stated by Ohm’s Law. Make sure you can calculate
current, resistance, and voltage.
11. What is the formula to calculate power (watts)?
12. What is the formula to calculate kilowatt hours (Kwh)?
13. How do you calculate your household cost of electricity?
14. Explain potential and kinetic energy?
15. Provide examples of energy transformation.
16. Why is energy transformation never 100% efficient?
17. Define renewable and non-renewable resources, gives examples of each.
18. Choose a renewable resource and weigh the advantages and disadvantages.