the smallest particle of a chemical element that retains the structural properties of that element
proton
a fundamental particle in the structure of the nucleus of an atom; possesses a positive charge
neutron
a fundamental particle in the structure of the nucleus of an atom; possesses a neutral charge
electron
a negatively charged fundamental particle that orbits around the nucleus of an atom
nucleus
the central part of an atom; composed of protons and neutrons
centrifugal force
force that moves away from the center; for example, the circular motion of electrons spinning around a nucleus generates centrifugal force
valence shell
the outermost plane of orbiting electrons in the structure of an atom
free electron
an electron that has broken away from its "home" atom to float free
electrical current
the flow or movement of electrons through a conductor
ampere
the unit of measurement of electrical current
potential
the difference in electrical charge between two bodies; measured in volts
volt
the unit of measurement of electrical potential
source
the origin of electrical potential, such as a battery or 120-volt wall outlet
load
a device that converts electrical energy into another form of energy: a lamp that converts electrical energy to light and heat; an electrical motor converts electricity to mechanical energy
resistance
the opposition to electron flow within a conductor, measured in ohms; the amount of the resistance is dependent on the chemical makeup of the material through which the electricity is flowing
fuse
a device to protect a circuit from an overload; has a soft metal strip that melts, breaking circuit continuity
circuit breaker
a device to protect a circuit from an overload; has a magnetic device that trips open, breaking circuit continuity