Electric charge is a property of matter.

Static charges are caused by the movement of electrons, resulting in an imbalance of positive and negative charges. At first, a balloon and a glass rod each have balanced, neutral charges.

Static charges are caused by the movement of electrons, resulting in an imbalance of positive and negative charges. When they touch, electrons move from the rod to the balloon.

electric charge A property that allows one object to exert a force on another object without touching it. Electric charge can be positive or negative: positive charge is a property of the proton, while negative charge is a property of the electron.

electric field An area surrounding a charged object, within which the object can exert a force on another object without touching it.

static charge The buildup of electric charge in an object caused by the uneven distribution of charged particles.

induction The build-up of a static charge in an object when the object is close to, but not touching, a charged object.

electric potential The amount of potential energy per unit charge that a static charge or electric current has. Electric potential is measured in volts, and is often called voltage.

volt The unit of measurement for electric potential, which is equal to one joule per coulomb. The number of volts of an electric charge equals the charge’s voltage.

A material that transfers electric charge easily. conductor A material that transfers electric charge easily. 2. A material that transfers heat easily

1. A material that does not transfer electric charge easily. insulator 1. A material that does not transfer electric charge easily. 2. A material that does not transfer heat easily.

resistance The property of a material that determines how easily a charge can move through it. Resistance is measured in ohms.

The unit of measurement for electrical resistance. ohm The unit of measurement for electrical resistance.

grounding The creation of a harmless, low-resistance path—a ground—for electricity to follow. Grounding is an important electrical safety procedure.

Electric current is measured in amperes, or amps. Ohm's law states that current equals voltage divided by resistance. Current Voltage Resistance

A continuous flow of electric charge, which is measured in amperes. electric current A continuous flow of electric charge, which is measured in amperes.

ampere The unit of measurement of electric current, which is equal to one coulomb per second. The number of amps flowing through a circuit equals the circuit’s amperage.

Ohm’s law The mathematical relationship among current, voltage, and resistance, expressed in the formula I = V/R (current = voltage/resistance).

electric cell A device that produces electric current using the chemical or physical properties of different materials. A battery consists of two or more cells linked together.