Resistor: a device that slows down electron flow to produce heat and/or light

Series circuit: a circuit in which each bulb or resistor is connected by only one path

Parallel circuit: a circuit in which each bulb or resistor is connected with a separate path

Short circuit: what results when 2 bare wires touch each other allowing an electric current to pass directly form one wire to the other

Circuit: a complete pathway without any breaks

Open circuit: a complete pathway that has a break or switch that is open

Closed circuit: a complete pathway that has a break or switch that is closed

Battery: a packaged mixture of metal and chemicals that make electricity

Filament: a fine wire in a light bulb

Switch: a device that opens or closes a circuit knife switch, push button, snap switch

Conductor: any materials that permit the steady flow of electrons

Insulator: materials that do not permit the steady flow of electrons

Electricity: electrons in motion.

Current: the flow of electrons through an object.

Direct Current: the kind of electric current that comes from a battery. It travels from one terminal and flows directly to the other terminal.

Alternating Current: the kind of electric current that comes through wall outlets.

Static Electricity: an electric charge that does not move or remains still.

Atom: the smallest part of a substance. It contains a mass of protons and neutrons in a center called a nucleus that is surrounded by electrons.

Nucleus: the center or middle part of an atom.

Electron: a tiny particle that carries a negative electric charge. Electrons are usually found orbiting the nucleus of an atom.

Proton: a tiny particle that carries a positive electric charge. Protons are usually found in the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron: a tiny particle that has no electrical charge and is neutral. Neutrons are usually found in the nucleus of an atom.

Ion: an electrically charged particle.

Fuse: a disposable safety device that prevents electrical overload

Circuit breaker: a reusable safety device that prevents electrical overload