Free vocabulary hub
Atoms to circuits—how matter and electricity behave
Everyday substances are molecules; reactions rearrange atoms into new bonds. Circuits, conductors, and insulators explain how energy moves through the designed world.
Extremely small particles made of protons, neutrons, and electrons—the building blocks of matter. Electron behavior helps explain bonding, charge, and electricity.
Real-world extension: Atomic structure matters in battery chemistry, semiconductors, and materials science.
Sources
Atoms bonded together in a stable group. Many everyday substances, including water and carbon dioxide, are molecules with properties from both the atoms and the bonds.
Real-world extension: Molecular structure affects plastics, medicines, fuels, and food chemistry.
Sources
Reactant atoms rearrange and form new bonds, producing one or more new substances. No new atoms are created or destroyed—they are reorganized.
Real-world extension: Battery discharge, rusting, combustion, and many manufacturing steps are chemical reactions.
Sources
A complete path that allows electric current to flow. If the path is broken, it is an open circuit; if it closes properly, energy can move through components like lights, motors, or sensors.
Real-world extension: Every electronic device depends on circuits arranged for a specific purpose.
Sources
A material that lets electric current move through it easily. Metals are common conductors—why wires and many contacts are metal.
Real-world extension: Choosing conductors involves cost, flexibility, and heat behavior in real electrical engineering.
Sources
A material that resists the flow of electric current. Plastics and rubber are common insulators around wires and device cases.
Real-world extension: Insulation is critical in homes, power systems, and electronics packaging.
Sources
Stores energy chemically and releases it as electricity through an external circuit. Electrons move through the circuit while ions move through the electrolyte inside.
Real-world extension: Battery science is central to phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and grid storage research.
Sources
A semiconductor device that converts light into electricity. Performance depends on how effectively it turns incoming photon energy into usable electrical power.
Real-world extension: Solar cells power rooftops, satellites, remote instruments, and parts of the electric grid.
Sources
A light-emitting diode converts electrical energy into light—often more efficient, directional, and long-lasting than many older lighting technologies.
Real-world extension: LED principles also connect to displays, sensors, optical tools, and makerspace electronics.
Sources