Physics - Electricity - Flashcards in IGCSE Physics

Circuit

A closed loop through which charge moves - from an energy source, through a series of components, and back into the energy source.

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Series

Components that are connected one after another on the same loop of the circuit are connected in series. The current that flows across each component connected in series is the same.

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Parallel

Components that are connected on separate loops are connected in parallel. The current is shared between each component connected in parallel. The total amount of current flowing into the junction, or split, is equal to the total current flowing out.

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component

A component is any device in an electric circuit that transfers electrical energy into another form. A diode, motor, lamp, LDR, resistor and a thermistor are all examples of electrical components.

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resistor

A resistor is an electrical component that restricts the flow of electric current.

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current

An electric current is a flow of electric charge. Conventional current flows from the positive terminal of the power source to the negative terminal.

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charge

Property of matter that causes a force when near another charge. Charge comes in two forms, positive and negative. For example, the negative charge caused a repulsive force on a neighbouring negative charge.

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ammeter

The current flowing through a component in a circuit is measured using an ammeter.The ammeter must be connected in series with the component

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voltmeter

Potential difference across a component in a circuit is measured using a voltmeter The voltmeter must be connected in parallel with the component

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diode

Diodes are electronic components which can be used to regulate the potential difference in circuits and to make logic gates. A diode has a very high resistance in one direction. This means that current can only flow in the other direction.

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LED

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lamps produce light when a current flows through them in the forward direction.

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Thermistor

An electrical device whose resistance decreases as its temperature increases.

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A.C

If the current constantly changes direction, it is called alternating current, or AC. Mains electricity is an AC supply, with the UK mains supply being about 230 V. It has a frequency of 50 Hz (50 hertz), which means it changes direction, and back

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D.C

If the current flows in only one direction it is called direct current, or DC. Batteries and cells supply DC electricity, with a typical battery supplying about 1.5 V.

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Cell

Two or more cells joined together are called a battery.A cell or a battery is a power supply that uses chemical energy to make electricity.

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battery

battery is a power supply that uses chemical energy to make electricity.In physics, one "battery" on its own is called a cell.

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double insulation

Some appliances have double insulation. These appliances only need live and neutral wires. They do not need an earth wire. An appliance that is double insulated has the whole of the inside contained in plastic, underneath an outer casing.

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Earthing

Mains electricity uses earthing as a safety measure. Earthing prevents electric shocks from metal objects.

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fuse

A fuse is a safety device that switches off an appliance if a current flowing through the live wire gets too big.

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Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker acts as a safety device in the same way as a fuse.

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Physics - Electricity

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