Glossary of Terms
- anode
- the electron-collecting area of an electron tube; see cathode
- battery
- a group of electric cells for providing electric current; a single electric cell
- benzene
- a colorless, highly-flammable liquid obtained chiefly in
the distillation of coal and used as a solvent and in making
dyes and drugs
- capacitance
- the property of an electric nonconductor that permits
the storage of energy
- cathode
- the electron-emitting area of an electron tube; see
anode
- charge
- an excess or deficiency of electrons in an atom
- circuit
- the complete path through which current flows, from the
source and back again
- combustion
- the process of burning
- condenser
- a device providing capacitance; see capacitance
- conductor
- any material that allows electricity to pass through
- discharge
- to remove the electrical energy from something
- electric motor
- an engine for doing work using electricity
- electric shock
- a sudden discharge from an electrically charged object;
see discharge
- electrical current
- a continuing flow of charged particles
- electrician
- a person who designs, installs, operates, or repairs
electrical equipment
- electricity
- a fundamental phenomenon in nature seen in the
attractions and repulsions of oppositely charged objects and
utilized as a source of energy ion the form of a current
- electrify
- to charge with electricity
- electrode
- a conductor used to make contact with a non-conducting
part of a circuit
- epitaph
- an inscription in memory of a deceased person
- fossil fuels
- coal, natural gas, and petroleum; energy sources
obtained from deposits of ancient organic remains
- generator
- a machine that produces electricity
- hydroelectricity
- the production of electricity by waterpower
- ion
- an electrically charged particle
- meteorology
- the science of the atmosphere and its conditions
- militia
- a part of the organized armed forces of a country called
upon in times of crisis
- minus
- having negative qualities due to an excess of electrons
- negative
- charged due to an excess of electrons
- patent
- a legal document giving inventors the exclusive rights
to their invention for a number of years
- plasma
- a gas composed of electrically charged particles
- plus
- having positive qualities due to an excess of protons
- positive
- charged due to an excess of protons
- precipitation
- atmospheric water that falls as rain, snow, or hail
- radioactivity
- the property of some elements to emit spontaneously rays
of radiant energy by the decay of their atomic nuclei
- solar energy
- radiant energy from the sun
- technology
- the application of scientific advances to benefit
humanity
- telecommunications
- communication at a distance as by telephone or radio
- transformer
- a device that changes the intensity of electric current
- uncharged
- lacking electric charge due to a balance of protons and
electrons
- wind energy
- energy obtained from turbine engines powered by wind
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