In this module, you investigate the physics that governs electric charge. You will see how static and moving charges can be used for different applications in the real world. Physics explains how charges can be transferred and moved through the circuits in your house that allow all your electrical appliances to function properly.
Pre-Assessment:
Your understanding of charge transfer depends on your understanding of the structure of the atom. What do you already know about atoms? What parts of the atom have charge? Which of these parts are free to move? How do atoms become ions?
Make a list of items that you already know about atoms. Refer back to this list at the end of the module to see what else you learned about this topic.
Key Vocabulary:
To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.
Alternating Current (AC) |
Electric Potential |
Parallel |
Ampere (A) |
Electric Potential Difference |
Polarization of Charge |
Battery |
Electric Potential Energy |
Proton |
Charge |
Electron |
Quantization |
Charging by Conduction |
Electroscope |
Quantum |
Charging by Friction |
Electrostatic |
Resistance (R ) |
Charging by Induction |
Equivalent Resistance |
Resistivity (rho) |
Circuit |
Grounding |
Series |
Conductor |
Insulator |
Total Resistance |
Coulomb |
Junction |
Van de Graaff generator |
Coulomb Constant |
Kirchoff’s Junction Rule |
Volt |
Coulomb’s Law |
Kirchoff’s Loop Rule |
Voltage |
Direct Current (DC) |
Light Bulb |
Voltage drop |
Dissipated |
Ohm (W) |
Voltage gain |
Electric Field |
Ohm’s Law |