1. Electric Current/Electrical Energy

2. Current The rate at which charges pass a given point. The higher the current, the greater the number of charges that pass the point each second. Measured in Amperes (amps)

3. 2 types of current Direct current – charges flow in one direction (charges from batteries) Alternating current – charges continually shift from flowing in one direction to flowing in the reverse direction. (home outlets)

4. Voltage The potential difference between 2 points in a circuit. Expressed in volts (v). (Basically, how much energy is needed to get the charge through the wire) If an item doesn’t need a lot of electricity to run, it’s low voltage. If it needs a lot, it’s high voltage.

5. Resistance The opposition to the flow of electric charge. Resistance is expressed in Ohm’s. Electrical wiring is very low resistance. Light bulbs, toaster wire is high resistance. The bigger the wire, the less resistance. The colder the wire, the less resistance.

6. Superconductors Certain materials, that if cooled enough, will have a resistance of 0 Ohms. Superconductors also repel magnets

7. Cells Change chemical or radiant energy into electrical energy. Contains a mixture of chemicals called an electrolyte, which allow charges to flow. Also contains electrodes, which is the part of the cell where charges enter and exit. There are 2 kinds of cells – wet cells and dry cells.

8. Wet/Dry Cells Wet Cell Ex: Car battery Combine the use of acids as the electrolyte, and metal connectors as electrodes. Dry Cell Ex: Batteries – The electrolytes are solid or pastelike

9. Thermocouples Converts thermal energy into electrical energy. Thermocouples do not generate a lot of energy

10. Photocells Converts light energy into electrical energy. When light shines on the photocell, electrons gain energy to move between atoms. The electrons move through a wire to provide energy to power a device. Ex: Solar panel