The important information contained in this chapter is summarized below.

Terminology Summary

Conductor - material with electrons loosely bound to its atoms or that permits free motion of large number of electrons

Insulator - material with electrons tightly bound to its atoms; requires large amounts of energy to free electrons from its nuclei

Resistor - material that conducts electricity, but opposes current flow Electron Current Flow - current flow from negative to positive potentials Conventional Current Flow - current flow from positive to negative potentials Direct Current - current flow continuously in the same direction

Alternating Current - current flow periodically reverses direction Ideal Source - theoretical current or voltage supply with no losses Real Source - actual current or voltage supply with losses