Vocabulary
Electricity and Magnetism
Current
The amount of charge that passes a given point in a specified period of time, measured
in amperes (amp, A). The direction for current flow is opposite from the direction of
the flow of electrons in a circuit. In a closed circuit powered by a batterh, the direction
of current flow is from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the battery.
Electric
potential
Potential energy per unit of positive charge. Measured in volts (V).
Multimeter
Instrument used to measure current, voltage, and resistance
Ohm’s Law
Ratio of voltage to current equals resistance and is represented by the equation R = V/I
R is resistance, V is voltage, and I is current. Also can be written V = I x R or I = V/R
Potential
difference
The difference in electric potential between point A and point B. In a circuit, point A
and point B represent the positive and negative terminals of a power source such as a
battery. Also known as voltage. Measured in volts (V).
Voltage
The difference in electric potential between point A and point B. Voltage is the driving
push behind current. When there is a difference in potential between the two
terminals in a battery, current can flow. Also known as potential difference.
Measured in volts (V). It is the amount of energy used to move electrons through an
electric circuit.
Resistance
The decrease in the flow of electrons and current due to a change in the diameter or
material of a wire. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
Resistor
Any wire in a circuit which causes a decrease in the flow of current due to its diameter
or material. An example would be the filament of a light bulb. Also any wire placed
into a circuit specifically to maintain the flow of electrons and current at a specific
level.
Circuit
A circuit is a closed or complete loop through which electric charges can continuously
move.
An electric circuit with only one closed path for an electric current to follow.
Series Circuit
An electric circuit with more than one closed path, or branch, for an electric current to
follow.
Parallel Circuit
Tesla (T)
Unit of measure for the magnitude of a magnetic field.