A | B |
electric current | The flow of electric charges through a material. |
static electricity | A buildup of charges on an object. |
current electricity | A wave that requires a medium through which to travel. |
alternating current (AC) | Current consisting of charges that move back and forth in a circuit. |
direct current (DC) | Current consisting of charges that flow in only one direction in a circuit. |
electric circuit | A complete path through which electric charges can flow. |
series circuit | An electric circuit with only one path for the current to take. |
parallel circuit | An electric circuit with several paths for the current to take. |
resistance | The opposition to the movement of electric charges flowing through a material. |
friction | A force that one surface exerts on another when the two rub against each other. |
magnetic | A characteristic of those metals that are attracted to magnets and can be made into magnets. |
magnet | A piece of iron (ore, alloy, or other material) that exhibits properties of magnetism such as attracting other iron-containing objects. |
electromagnet | A solenoid with a ferromagnetic core that forms a magnet that can be turned on and off. |
electric motor | A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to turn an axle. |
electric generator | A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. |
magnetic field | The region around a magnet where the magnetic field is exerted. |
conductor | A substance through which electrons move freely, transmitting heat or electricity. |
semiconductor | A substance that can conduct electricity under some conditions. |
insulator | A material that does not easily transfer thermal energy or electric current between its particles. |
diode | A solid-state component that consists of layers of semiconductors that allow current to flow in only one direction. |
solar cell | A device converting solar energy into electricity. |
IR | Infrared light |
UV | Ultraviolet light |
LED | Light emitting diodes emit visible light or infrared radiation when current passes through them. |
transistor | A device that either amplifies an electronic signal or switches current on and off. |
silicon | Semiconductor |
voltage | The difference in electrical potential between two pieces. |
magnetic pole | The end of a magnetic object, where the magnetic force is the strongest. |
transmitter | Infrared TV remote or the lighting course behind the screen in an LED TV or notebook computer screen. |
electric charge | A property of electrons and protons; electrons carry a negative charge; protons carry a positive charge. |
magnetism | The force of attraction or repulsion of magnetic materials. |