Electricity Terms

a build up of either negative or positive charges

a path that allows electricity to flow

the rate of flow of electric charges

an electric current that reverses its direction at repeated intervals. AC is the abbreviation

an electric current that flows in one direction only. DC is the abbreviation

an energy source that uses dry chemicals. A 9 volt battery is an example

an energy source that uses liquid or wet chemicals. A car battery is an example

the measurement unit of voltage. Voltage is reduced by each resistor

the amount of potential energy that each unit of electrical charge has

symbol for volts

unit for measuring electrical current

abbreviation for amperes and sometimes used for the symobl for amperes

symbol for amperes. Amps is a more current symbol

measure for electrical resistance

abbreviation for Ohms

a diagram using electrical symbols showing an electric circuit

chemicals that form ions and conduct current when dissolved in water

a circular device that varies the resistance to electrical current. A dimmer is an example

a conductor through which electric current is passed. It may be constructed of metal, such as copper, silver, lead, or sinc or nonmetal substance such as carbon

a material or device that prevents or reduces the passage of electricity heat or cold or sound

devices that are used to control current in many circuits

circuit in which the current has one path

a circuit in which the current takes more than one path

circuit in which there is a break so that current cannot flow

circuit in which there are no breaks and current can flow

the protection device. Main part is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows which breaks the cicruit

a device that trips like a switch and opens the circuit when overloaded to prevent fires

the unit for electric charge. Its symbol is C

an instrument that demonstrates positive and negative charges

something that uses electricity

useful energy can be extracted or recovered either directly or by means of a conversion or transformation process

something that transfers electricity, heat or cold

a solid material that has electricity conductivity between those of a conductor and an insulator

opposite electrical charges attrace; like electrical charges repel

the space surrounding an electric charge

the force that charged objects exert on each other

a device for measuring temperature made of a pair of different metals joined at both ends

a type of resistor. When light strikes the cell, it allows current to flow freely. When dark, its resistance increases

a group of olar cells arranged into a panel that can be installed into flat surface. The panel captures sunlight and convert it into DC power

breaks the circuit and is used as a safety device where water is used