AP Physics 1 · Unit 8
Electric Charge: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
20 flashcard terms for AP Physics 1 Unit 8, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 5-question quiz — free, no account needed.
Study this unit free →
Electric Charge Fundamental property (positive/negative); measured in coulombs (C); conserved and quantized (multiples of e).
Coulomb's Law F = kq₁q₂/r²; electric force between charges proportional to charges, inversely proportional to distance squared.
Electric Field E = F/q; force per unit charge; vector pointing from positive to negative; measured in N/C.
Potential Difference V = W/q; energy per unit charge; measured in volts (V); same as voltage.
Capacitor Device storing charge; C = Q/V; capacitance measured in farads (F); parallel plates: C = ε₀A/d.
Current I = Q/t; rate of charge flow; measured in amperes (A); conventional current flows from + to -.
Resistance R = V/I; opposition to current flow; measured in ohms (Ω); R = ρL/A (resistivity × length / area).
Ohm's Law V = IR; voltage equals current times resistance; linear relationship for ohmic conductors.
Power P = IV = I²R = V²/R; electrical power dissipated as heat (watts).
EMF Electromotive force; energy per unit charge; source voltage (often ε or E); includes internal resistance.
Series Circuit Components in single loop; current same everywhere; voltages add; total R = R₁ + R₂ + ...
Parallel Circuit Components on separate branches; voltage same everywhere; currents add; 1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + ...
Kirchhoff's Laws Junction rule: current in = current out; loop rule: sum of voltages in loop = 0.
Magnetic Field B field; created by moving charges; measured in tesla (T); detected using compass or magnetic force.
Magnetic Force F = qvB sin θ; force on moving charge in magnetic field; perpendicular to both v and B.
Lorentz Force F = q(E + v × B); total electromagnetic force on charge.
Ampere's Law Current creates circular magnetic field; B increases with current, decreases with distance.
Faraday's Law Changing magnetic flux induces EMF; ε = -N(ΔΦ/Δt); basis for electric generators.
Lenz's Law Induced current opposes change causing it; determines direction of induced current/field.
Transformer Device changing AC voltage; V₁/V₂ = N₁/N₂; uses mutual induction (changing field in primary coil).
Turn these into flashcards & quizzes →
Crammy is a free all-in-one study hub for AP, A-Level, GCSE, IB and test prep — flashcards, quizzes, practice exams, an AI tutor, and adaptive study sessions. Start studying free .
SAT® and AP® are registered trademarks of the College Board. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None is affiliated with, sponsors, or endorses Crammy, and none has reviewed our practice material. All questions and explanations here are original. Legal & attributions .