Electricity and Magnetism

Electric charge A basic property of the tiny particles that make up matter

Static Electricity The buildup of electric charges in one place

Electric Field The area around electric charges, where electric forces can act

Electric current A flow of electric charges

Electric Circuit A continuous pathway that can carry an electric current.

Series circuit An electric circuit with only one path for current

Parallel circuit An electric circuit with two or more paths for current

resistance How much a material opposes, or resists, the flow of electric current

Resistor An electrical device used in an electrical circuit for protection or current control.

Short circuit A flaw in a circuit that allows a large current to flow through where it isn’t wanted

conductor Material through which heat and electricity flow easily

attract To pull toward each other

insulator A material that slows the flow of heat and electricity

repel To push away from each other

Power Source A device that supplies electric power to an electrical load.

Electricity Energy created by moving charged particles.