Circuits Mind Map
← CircuitsHow an electric circuit moves energy from a source to a device, and how current, voltage, and resistance change in series and parallel circuits.
- electric circuitA complete path that electricity can flow through.The bulb lit when we closed the electric circuit.
- energy sourceSomething that supplies energy to a circuit, like a battery, generator, or solar cell.The battery is the energy source for the flashlight.
- batteryA device that stores chemical energy and gives it out as electrical energy.The toy stopped when its battery ran down.
- switchA part that opens or closes a circuit.Flip the switch to turn on the light.
- light bulbA device that changes electrical energy into light and heat.The light bulb glowed brighter with two batteries.
- closed circuitA circuit with no breaks, so current flows.Flipping the switch on made a closed circuit.
- open circuitA circuit with a break, so current cannot flow.A burned-out bulb leaves an open circuit.
- series circuitA circuit with only one path, so every part shares the same current.In a series circuit, one broken bulb turns them all off.
- parallel circuitA circuit with more than one path for current.Your house is wired as a parallel circuit.
- electric chargeA property of matter that can be positive or negative and causes electric attraction or repulsion.Electric charge was already in the wire before the battery was connected.
- electric currentThe flow of electric charge through a material, measured in amperes.Electric current flows from the battery through the wire.
- voltageElectric potential difference: the energy transferred per unit of charge, measured in volts.A car battery has a voltage of 12 volts.
- resistanceHow much a material slows the flow of electric charge, measured in ohms.A thin wire has more resistance than a thick one.
- conductorA material that allows thermal energy or electric charge to move through it relatively easily; the context tells which property is meant.Copper wire is a good conductor.
- insulatorA material that strongly resists the transfer of thermal energy or the movement of electric charge; the context tells which property is meant.Rubber is a good insulator on wires.
- ammeterA tool that measures electric current.The ammeter showed 2 amperes.
- voltmeterA tool that measures voltage.The voltmeter read 1.5 volts across the bulb.