Electric Current and Circuits

Resistance

• The measure of how strongly an object or material impedes the flow of electric charge produced by a potential difference; equal to the potential difference by the current.

• The ability of a material to conduct electric current without any resistance.

• The total amount of electric charge that can flow through a conductor.

• The force that pushes electric charges through a circuit.

Series Connection

• A type of connection in which there is only a single current path.

• A type of connection that allows multiple current paths.

• A connection that is used only in parallel circuits.

• A type of connection that increases voltage across components.

Short Circuit

• Occurs when a very low resistance circuit is formed, causing a very large current that could easily start a fire from overheated wires.

• Happens when there is a break in the circuit, preventing current flow.

• Is a type of circuit that only allows a small amount of current to pass through.

• Occurs when the circuit is overloaded with too many devices.

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.

Ohm

• The SI unit of power (W)

• The SI unit of voltage (V)

• The SI unit of resistance (Ω)

• The SI unit of current (A)

Battery

• A device that stores electrical energy for later use.

• A device made up of several galvanic cells connected together that converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

• A device that generates energy from solar power.

• A device that amplifies electrical signals.

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 consumption over a period of time, typically used in household billing.

• A unit of power equal to one joule per second, commonly used in electrical engineering.

• A term used to describe the energy efficiency of appliances in a household.

Ampere

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

• A unit of resistance in an electrical circuit.

• A measure of voltage in an electrical system.

• A type of electrical energy storage device.

Ground-Fault Interrupter (GFI)

• A device that detects voltage fluctuations in electrical appliances.

• A device that prevents electrical fires by cutting off power.

• A device that contains an electronic circuit that detects small current differences caused by an extra current path; it opens the circuit, prevents electrocution, and often is required as a safety measure for bathroom, kitchen, and exterior outlets.

• A device that regulates the flow of electricity to prevent overloads.

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 direction.

• A type of circuit where all components share the same current.

• A circuit that requires all components to be connected in a single path.