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