Key terms & definitions

A plant disease that destroyed much of Ireland’s potato crop from 1845.

A substance being tested to find out whether, and how effectively, it catalyses a particular reaction.

The possibility that electromagnetic radiation could cause harm; the actual risk also depends on the exposure.

The difference in electrical energy transferred per unit charge between two points.

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points; it is measured in volts (V) and is also called voltage.

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points, measured in volts (V).

The energy transferred per unit of electric charge between two points in a circuit, also called voltage. Its symbol is $V$ and its unit is the volt (V).

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points, measured in volts (V).

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points, measured in volts (V).

A series circuit that shares the supply potential difference between two or more components.

A circuit with two resistances in series across a supply, providing an output voltage from their junction. Changing their relative resistances changes this voltage.

Energy associated with the positions of particles relative to one another and the forces between them.

Energy particles have because of their positions relative to one another and the forces between them.

A possible future situation used to explore design needs; it is a possibility to investigate, not an established prediction.

Apparatus that estimates a plant shoot's rate of water uptake, often by tracking an air bubble in a narrow tube.

An apparatus that measures water uptake by a leafy shoot, allowing transpiration rate to be estimated.

A thick soup or stew, commonly made with peas, beans and other available ingredients.

A condition in which people lack the resources needed to obtain essentials such as sufficient food, clothing and shelter.

A lack of financial resources to meet a person’s needs.

A shortage of money and resources needed for essentials such as food, clothing, warmth and shelter.

A lack of resources needed to meet basic needs or achieve an acceptable standard of living.

A lack of resources needed to meet basic necessities or achieve an acceptable standard of living in a particular society.

A minimum level of income needed to afford basic necessities. People below it cannot reliably meet those needs.

The percentage of people in a specified population who live in poverty.

An income level below which people are classified as living in poverty under a particular measure.

A situation in which taking paid work or increasing earnings brings little or no financial improvement because benefits are withdrawn and other costs may rise.

Finely divided polymer particles used as feedstock for processes such as rotational moulding.

Applying dry powder to a surface and heating it to form a tough protective coating.

Manufacturing metal components from powder, commonly by compacting it in a die and then heating it to bond the particles.

Energy transferred per unit time, measured in watts (W).