5.5 Circuits Schematics & Symbols, Current & Voltage formulas
Voltage (V)
The difference in electrical potential energy between two places in a circuit; the PUSH behind the electrons measured in volts (v)
Symbol for Wires
The object that transports electrons throughout the circuit (ex. battery -> ______ -> light bulb)
Watts
The unit power is measured in.
time (t)
measured in seconds (s)
Electrons
negatively charged subatomic particles that flow around the circuit
Symbol for switch (open)
opens and closes the path of charge
energy (E)
the ability to do work
current (I)
the flow of electrical charge between two points
electrical power (P)
the rate at which electrical energy is converted to another form of energy
Amperes
the unit for measuring electrical current; the abbreviation is amp.
coulombs
the unit that charge (quantity/amount of electrons) is measured in
Volts
the unit voltage is measured in
Joules
unit energy is measured in
Symbol for Two cell Battery
2 long (+) and 2 short (-) lines
Symbol for a Motor
A circle with the letter "M" in it.
Series Circuit
A circuit in which all parts are connected end to end to provide a single path of current.
Parallel Circuit
A closed electrical circuit in which the current is divided into two or more paths and then returns via a common path to complete the circuit.
Short circuit
A connection that allows current to take the path of least resistance.
Ammeter
A device used to measure current in a circuit
Schematic
A map of an electronic circuit. It uses symbols to represent electrical components along the pathway.
seconds
SI unit for time
kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A unit of measure by which electricity is sold; equivalent to 1,000 watt-hours of electrical use.
Symbol for a Resistor
An electrical device that resists the flow of electrical current
Conductors
Materials that allow electric charges to flow through them easily
Voltmeter
a device used to measure voltage in a circuit
Circuit
a path for an electrical current to flow around
amount of charge (Q)
amount of electrons measured in couloumbs (C)
Symbol for Light Bulb (lamp)
circle with loop inside
