Electrostatic Charge
accumulated electric charge not moving
Electrical Conductors
materials which easily allow charges to flow through them
metals, water
Coulomb
the unit for electrical charge.
Fundamental Charge
Smallest measured electric charge, belonging to an electron. -1.6 X 10?(19)C
Coulomb's Law
electric force between charged objects depends on the distance between the objects and the magnitude of the charges.
F=K(q1q2/d^2)
Force Field
This exists in the space surrounding a mass electric charge, or magnet, so that another mass, electric charge, or magnet introduced to this region will experience a force.
Electric Field
The field around charged particles that exerts a force on other charged particles.
Volt
a measure of potential difference between two points.
Electric Circuit
an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow.
Ampere or Amp (A)
Rate of current flow (1 Amp= 1 Coulomb/second)
Direct Current (dc)
a flow of electric charge in only one direction
Alternating Current (ac)
a continuous back and forth movement of electrons in a circuit
Electrical Resistance (R)
Materials that have a property of opposing or reducing a current.
Ohm's Law
V=IxR (V=voltage, I=current, R=Resistance)
Ohm
The ratio of vols/amps is the unit of resistance called.
Watt (W)
the SI unit of measurement of power; equivalent to Joule/second.
Magnetic Poles
the ends of a magnetic object, where the magnetic force is strongest
Magnetic Field
the lines of force surrounding a permanent magnet or a moving charged particle
Magnetic Domain
a region in which the magnetic fields of all atoms are lined up in the same direction
Electromagnet
a temporary magnet made by passing electric current through a wire coiled around an iron bar
Electromagnetic Induction
Process by which electrical current is induced in a wire when it is moved through a magnetic field
Electric Generator
a device that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy
Transformer
a device that increases or decreases the voltage of alternating current
Series Circuit
a circuit in which the objects are connected in a single path
Parallel Circuit
a closed circuit in which the current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit
Short Circuit
accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference
Electric Current
a flow of electricity through a conductor