OCR GCSE Combined Science A key terms

The energy transferred by electrical work when charge passes through a component, measured in joules (J).

A material with very high electrical resistance, used to prevent current flowing through unwanted paths.

Having zero overall electric charge because positive and negative charges balance.

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

A measure of how strongly a wire or component opposes the flow of electric current.

The transfer of energy from a supply to components when an electric current flows.

Energy transferred electrically when charge flows through a potential difference.

An electrical property that can be positive or negative. The amount of charge passing through a component is represented by $Q$ and measured in coulombs (C).

The rate of flow of electric charge: the charge passing a point in a circuit each second. Current is measured in amperes (A).

A device that transfers energy electrically to produce movement.

A harmful electric current passing through a person's body.

An electrical conductor through which current enters or leaves an electrolyte.

The use of electrical energy from a direct current supply to decompose an electrolyte.

An ionic compound that conducts electricity when molten or dissolved in water because its ions can move.

A magnet whose magnetic field is produced by an electric current, usually using a coil around an iron core.

A wave that transfers energy through oscillating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum.

The complete range of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by frequency or wavelength.

An electromagnetic wave that transfers energy; visible light is one example.

A particle outside an atom’s nucleus with relative charge −1 and relative mass approximately $\frac{1}{1836}$.

The arrangement of an atom’s electrons in shells, often written as numbers such as 2,8,1.

The arrangement of electrons in shells, often written as the number in each shell from the innermost outwards, such as 2,8,1.

The arrangement of electrons in an atom’s shells, often written as numbers starting with the innermost shell, such as 2,8,2.

A microscope that uses a beam of electrons rather than light to form an image.

An energy level occupied by electrons around an atom’s nucleus.

The movement of electrons from one object to another, changing the overall charge of each object.

A force of attraction or repulsion between electrically charged particles. Opposite charges attract; like charges repel.

A substance containing only atoms with the same number of protons.

An early stage of development formed when a fertilised egg divides.