Electric Circuits Vocabulary Cards

Atom (Noun)

The smallest unit of a substance or chemical element.

“Atoms comprise everything, inorganic objects like metal and

organic ones like animals.”

Electron (Noun)

A particle with a negative charge.

“Electrons can be free or attached to the nucleus of an atom.”

Proton (Noun)

A particle with a positive charge.

“Protons are always found in an atom’s nucleus.”

Electricity (Noun)

A form of energy that uses charged particles like electrons

or protons.

“Electricity comes in two forms: a moving current or a static

charge.”

Electric current (Noun)

A movement of electricity by electrons, usually along a wire.

“Ions in an electrolyte and ions and electrons in a plasma also

carry an electric current.”

Flow (Noun and Verb)

Noun: The movement of electricity along a wire.

Verb: To move steadily.

“Electricity has a certain flow when it flows along a wire through

a current.”

Wire (Noun)

A piece of metal shaped like a thread.

“Electricity uses a wire to flow.”

Switch (Noun)

A device that can complete or break the connection of an

electric circuit.

“A simple switch that we use everyday is one for turning on the

lights.”

Bulb (Noun)

A device that produces light by passing an electric current

through a wire.

“ISM uses fluorescent bulbs for lights.”

Electrical circuit (Noun)

The path in which an electric current flows.

“Every electronic device contains an electrical circuit.”

Path (Noun)

The way or direction that an electric current flows.

“Electricity follows a certain path when it flows.

Open circuit (Noun)

A circuit that is incomplete and where current does not flow.

“A light that is turned off is an open circuit.”

Closed circuit (Noun)

A circuit that is complete and where current flows.

“When a light is turned on, that is a complete circuit.”

Series circuit (Noun)

A closed circuit that follows one path.

“When bulbs are powered by one wire, that is a series circuit.”

Parallel circuit (Noun)

A closed circuit that follows two or more paths.

“When bulbs are powered by their own wire, that is a parallel

circuit.”

Electric motor (Noun)

A machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical

energy.

“An air-conditioner uses a motor to cool a room.”

Power (Noun and Verb)

Noun: The ability to perform a function.

Verb: To give energy to a device.

“A battery powers your smartphone and gives it power.”

Conduct (Verb)

To transfer energy (heat/electricity) through a material

(metal/wood).

“Metal can conduct heat.”

Conductor (Noun)

A device or material that transfers heat or electricity.

“Metal is a good conductor of electricity.”

Insulator (Noun)

A substance, device, or material that does not allow the

transfer of heat or electricity.

“Rubber is used as an insulator.”

Socket (Noun)

A device where you connect electrical equipment.

“Connect the fan to the socket next to you.”

Connect (Verb)

To bring two or more objects together.

“Connect your charger to the socket.”

Battery (Noun)

A container where chemical energy is converted into

electricity.

“Solar-powered devices store sunlight as energy in their

battery.”

Voltage (Noun)

The amount of energy between two points in a circuit,

measured in volts (V).

“Most devices today can use a voltage of between 110-250V of

electricity.”

Volt (Noun)

A unit of measurement of electromotive force (EMF).

“Electrical sockets are usually 110 or 220 volts.”

Electromotive force/EMF (Noun)

The electric current produced by an energy source (e.g. a

battery).

“The higher the voltage, the higher the EMF.”

Voltmeter

A device used to measure voltage, in volts.

“Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of the batteries.”

Ammeter (Noun)

A device used to measure an electrical current, in amperes.

“Use the ammeter to determine the strength of the current.”

Ampere (Noun)

A unit of measurement of an electric current.

“An ammeter shows you the strength of a current through

amperes.”

Load (Noun)

The part of a circuit that consumes electricity.

“A charging smartphone is the load of a wall

socket.

Alligator/Crocodile clips

A device used to make temporary electrical connections.

“Connect the alligator clips to the wire to turn the nail into an

electromagnet.”

Buzzer (Noun)

An electrical device that makes a sound, used for signalling.

“Press the buzzer when you have the right answer.”

Brightness (Noun)

The intensity or strength of a light.

“LED lights have a higher brightness than normal

lights but use less power.”

Dimness (Noun)

The amount of darkness or lack of light in an

object or space.

“An old lightbulb may have a higher dimness than

a new one.”