Electrical Circuits Study Guide
Test on Wednesday, March 18
Vocabulary: Be able to match the vocabulary words with their definitions.
atoms: the basic building blocks of all things
proton: the positively charged particle of an atom
electron: the negatively charged particle of an atom
neutron: the particle of an atom that is neutral
conductor: material that does allow electricity to flow through it
insulator: material that does not allow electricity to flow through it
electric current: the movement or flow of electric charge
series circuit: parts of a circuit that are connected in one pathway
parallel circuit: parts of a circuit connected through more than one path
closed circuit: complete path through which electricity can flow
open circuit: an incomplete path through which electricity cannot flow
static electricity: a buildup of electric charge
electricity: energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor
charge: an amount of electricity caused by having too few or too many electrons
electric circuit: a path through which electric current can flow
With pictures shown, be able to label:
open circuit, closed circuit, series circuit, and parallel circuit
Mach the four components of a complete circuit and explain the job/role of each:
1. The light bulb turns electrons into light.
2. The battery provides an electric current.
3. The wire conducts the electric current.
4. The switch controls the flow of electrical current through a circuit.
Be able to answer in complete sentences:
What causes static electricity?
Static electricity is caused by a buildup of electric charge.
What are some ways to stay safe around electricity?
One way to stay safe around electricity is not to put fingers in electrical sockets, or touch live wires, or plug in radios, TVs , and the like while near a sink or in a tub.
Students should know the following information:
Electricity can carry energy.
Electricity produces its effects through charge.
Electric current describes a flow of electric charge.
The electric current stops when the switch is off/open. The electric current flows when the switch is on/closed.