Electronics and Electricity Concepts

Atomic Particles

• Protons: Positively charged particles in an atom.
• Electrons: Negatively charged particles in an atom.
• Neutrons: Neutral particles in an atom, no charge.

Static Electricity and Current

• Static Electricity: Build-up of electric charge on surfaces.
• Electrical Current: Continuous flow of electrons through a conductor.
• Conductors: Materials that allow electrical current to flow.
• Insulators: Materials that do not allow current to flow.

Electrical Properties

• Voltage: Measure of electrical energy carried, in volts.
• Resistance: Opposition to current flow, measured in ohms.
• Ohm's Law: Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

Circuit Types

• Series Circuit: Circuit with a single path for current flow.
• Parallel Circuit: Circuit with multiple paths for current flow.

Electrochemical Concepts

• Electrolyte: Liquid or paste that conducts electricity.
• Dry Cell: Electrolyte in paste form, used in batteries.
• Battery: Device that stores chemical energy as electrical energy.
• Electrochemistry: Study of chemical processes that cause electricity.

Circuit Components

• Resistors: Components that apply resistance to electrical flow.
• Variable Resistor: Resistor that can adjust resistance, like a dimmer.
• Short Circuit: Unintended path for current, can cause hazards.
• Switches: Used to turn electricity on and off.
• Electrolysis: Decomposition of a substance by an electric current.
• Electroplating: Protects metals.

Batteries and Cells (details)

• Wet Cell: Electrochemical cell with liquid electrolyte.
• Rechargeable Cell/battery: Can be reversed when all electrolyte has been used.

Additional Concepts

• Electrical Discharge: Loss of static electricity as charges move off an object.
• Ampere: Unit of electric current (rate of flow); higher amperage is generally more dangerous
• Parts of a Circuit: Source of electricity, conductor, load, switch (optional)
• Voltage (detail): Measure of how much energy per charge.