| A | B |
|---|
| Closed circuit | A complete path for electricity to flow. |
| Wires | Provides the path for electricity. |
| Open circuit | An incomplete path; electricity is unable to flow through it because a gap exists. |
| Circuit diagram | The use of symbols to show what a circuit looks like. |
| Electrical symbols | Drawings that represent different electrical components. |
| Resistor | An electrical component that uses electricity in a specific way, like a light bulb or a fan. |
| Switch | Used to turn electricity on and off. |
| Short circuit | Contains an accidental extra path for current to flow through; can be dangerous. |
| Amps | Current is measured in this unit. |
| Volts | Voltage is measured in in this unit. |
| Multimeter | A tool that can measure both current and voltage. |
| Ammeter | A tool that can measure only current. |
| Voltmeter | A tool that can measure only voltage. |
| Battery | The power source; contains potential (stored) energy. |
| Circuit breaker | A device that protects a circuit from too much current by creating a break and stopping the flow of current. |
| Resistance | A measure of how easily electric current flows through a circuit. |
| Ohms | Resistance is measured in this unit. |
| Ohm's Law | The relationship between current, voltage, and resistance. |
| Conductor | A material that can easily conduct electricity, like copper and aluminum. |
| Insulator | A material that does not conduct electricity, like paper and rubber. |
| Semiconductor | A material that has some ability to conduct electricity, but not as much as a conductor. Examples include carbon and silicon. |
| Parallel circuit | An electrical circuit that has two or more complete paths for electricity to flow. |
| Series circuit | A circuit that has only one path for electricity to flow; the components are hooked up in one continuous circle. |
