Electricity Glossary

atoms- Small particles that make up matter. Atoms are comprised of neutrons, protons, and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge and neutrons are neutral in their charge.

attract- To pull together. When opposite charges are near each other, they pull together, or attract one another.

battery- A device that produces electricity, that may include several cells connected in series or parallel.

circuit- A complete pathway through which electricity moves. If a circuit is complete, it is considered closed, and energy will flow. If a circuit is broken, it is an open circuit, and no energy will flow.

compass- An instrument, with a magnetic needle that is used to determine the direction of magnetic north.

complete circuit- A circuit allowing a complete pathway so there is a continuous current.

conductors- Materials that permit electricity to flow through them. Metals and water are good conductors.
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current- Movement of electrons through a conductor. Direct current (DC) consists of charges flowing in one direction, while alternating current (AC) consists of a flow of electric charge that changes direction.

electric charge- An imbalance of atomic particles. Atoms are made up of particles that have positive or negative charges; when they are balanced (an equal number of electrons and protons), there is no electrical charge. If there are extra electrons, there is a negative charge, and if the atoms are missing electrons, there is a positive electric charge.

electromagnet - A magnet produced by passing an electric current through an insulated wire conductor coiled around a core of soft iron (a nail works great).

electrodes- Parts of a battery where electric current enters or leaves the battery.

energy- The ability to do work.

force- An elementary physical cause capable of modifying the motion of a mass (pedaling your bike to make it go, throwing a baseball, pushing your brother out of your seat).

generator -- A name given to a machine that changes mechanical energy into electrical energy.

incomplete circuit- -- A circuit, the electrical continuity of which has been interrupted, as by opening a switch (the light would go off).

insulators- Materials that do not carry electricity through them. Glass, plastic and rubber are excellent insulators.

load- An electrical device that uses the electricity, which is delivered to it (light bulb, motor, etc.).

machine- Any device that does work.

magnetic field- The invisible lines of force that extend between the poles of the magnet.

natural magnet- A loadstone is a natural magnet. It is a type of iron ore that occurs in nature and when suspended freely, will point to the North Pole.

pathway- The route that an electrical current will follow, a circuit. Electricity will follow the path of least resistance.

permanent magnet- An artificial magnet that retains its magnetism after the magnetizing force has been removed. Steel can be made into a permanent magnet.

power- A measure of how quickly work is done.

power source- The origin of electrical energy to run lights, motors, and appliances, etc. It can be a generator, solar panels or batteries.

repel- To push away. When two similar charges are put together, they repel one another, or push each other apart.

static electricity- A build-up of electrical charges that are released all at once when they find an object of the opposite charge. The spark that results releases the charges and returns the object to a neutral charge. Lightning is a powerful example of static electricity. Static electricity is also, what makes your clothes stick together when they are removed from the dryer.

switch -- A device for completing or breaking the connections in an electric current so it will be “complete” or “incomplete.”

temporary magnet- An artificial magnet that loses its magnetism after the magnetizing force is removed. Soft iron makes a good temporary magnet.