AQA GCSE Physics key terms

A generator that produces direct current, usually by using a split-ring commutator.

The eardrum is a thin membrane in the ear that vibrates when sound waves reach it.

A conducting connection between the live supply and earth, allowing a potentially dangerous current to flow.

The green-and-yellow striped safety conductor that is connected to exposed metal parts in an earthed appliance and normally carries no current.

A reflected sound wave that returns to a detector.

A method that sends out high-frequency sound waves and detects their echoes to locate underwater objects or measure water depth.

How well an insulating material reduces the rate of thermal energy transfer under specified conditions.

The fraction of the total input energy or power that is transferred usefully.

Deformation in which an object returns to its original shape and size when the forces are removed.

Energy stored when an elastic object is stretched or compressed.

A device designed to transfer energy electrically from a power supply to one or more energy stores.

The rate at which energy is transferred, measured in watts.

Energy transfer caused by moving charges when an electric current flows.

The flow of electrical charge; its size is the rate at which charge passes a point in a circuit.

A region around a charged object in which another charged object experiences a force.

A line used to represent the direction and relative strength of an electric field.

The strength of an electric field at a particular position, indicated qualitatively by how closely spaced its field lines are.

A device that uses the force on a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field to produce rotation.

A solenoid containing an iron core, which produces a stronger magnetic field when current flows.

The production of a potential difference across a conductor because the magnetic field around it changes.

The continuous range of electromagnetic waves, grouped according to wavelength and frequency.

A transverse wave that transfers energy from a source to an absorber and can travel through a vacuum.

A negatively charged particle found around an atom’s nucleus.

The release of radiation by an object.

To give out energy as radiation.

A particular allowed distance from the nucleus at which electrons are arranged in the Bohr model.

A source of energy that people can use for heating, transport or generating electricity.