Science

• Electrolyte


  The conductive material that allows the flow of ions in a battery
• Battery


  A device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy
• Chemical reaction


  A reaction that occurs in a battery
• Potential difference


  The difference in electric potential energy between two points
• Separated

  The separation of positive and negative ions in a battery
• Electric potential energy


  The ability to do work as a result of a difference in electric potential energy
• Electrochemical reaction


  The chemical reaction that occurs in a battery
• Terminals


  The two points where electrical energy is transferred into or out of a battery
• Removed

  The removal of electrons from a material
• Electrodes


  The two conductive materials that allow the flow of electrons in a battery
• Volt


  The unit of electric potential energy
• You need to remember these symbols and units to complete calculations in Topic 3.4
• Before you leave this page...
• Resistance


  The degree to which the flow of current is hindered
• Figure 3.18

  Shows how resistance makes a current
• Collisions

  Electrons in the current collide with the atoms that make up the load, or even with each other
• Unit used to measure resistance

  The ohm (Ω)
• Load


  Resists, or hinders, the flow of current
• Symbol for resistance

  R
• Electrical energy


  Energy that is transferred by electrons through a conductor
• Symbol for an ohm

  The Greek letter omega (Ω)
• Source current load
• Circuits are used in many devices and systems and are essential for our modern world to function
• Symbols used in Ohm's Law

  • V=Electrical potential difference
  • I=Current
  • R=Resistance
• Analogy of series and parallel circuits

  In series, loads are like cars on one road, while in parallel, loads are like cars on different roads but still connected
• In a parallel circuit with too many electrical devices connected, it is not safe as a big amount of current passing through a wire can cause it to get very hot, posing a safety hazard
• Loads connected in a circuit

  Can be connected in series or in parallel
• Circuits help control and direct the flow of electricity, allowing devices to work properly
• Voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit

  • Related by Ohm's Law
• If all the loads were connected in series in a home, the current flowing through the wire conductors connected to the source would be too large, causing the wires to get very hot and potentially leading to an electrical fire