IB Physics B5 Definitions
This page contains our IB Physics definitions for B5. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Current & circuits'.
Ammeter
This device measures the current of the circuit over the portion it is in series with
Battery
It is one or more connected cells converting chemical energy into electrical energy
Charge capacity
It is the amount of electrical energy it can produce in its lifetime
Circuit
It is the path a current follows
Electric cell
It is a device that houses an internal chemical reaction that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
Electromotive force
It is the total potential difference per unit charge, including the voltage to power the cell and external components
Ideal ammeter
It is an ammeter with zero resistance
Ideal voltmeter
It is a voltmeter with infinite resistance
Internal resistance
It is the resistance inside the cell
Light-dependent resistor
This device's resistance is dependent on the amount of light shining on it; when light shines on it, its resistance decreases
Non-ideal ammeter
It is an ammeter with a constant but non-zero resistance
Non-ideal voltmeter
It is a voltmeter with a constant but finite resistance
Non-ohmic device
It is a device that does not remain at a constant temperature, does not have a current proportaiontl to voltage, and thus a changing resistance
Ohmic device
It is a device that remains at a constant temperature, has a current proportional to voltage, and thus a constant resistance
Parallel circuit
It is a circuit with devices aligned in a branched loop
Perfect cell
It is a cell with 100% efficiency in the conversion of chemical to electrical energy
Potential divider
This is a device used in circuits to measure the voltage across a resistor
Potentiometer
This device is used as a potential divider, but its resistance must be significantly smaller than any resistor's
Power
It is the energy difference per unit time or energy difference per charge flow
Primary cell
It is a cell with a non-reversible internal reaction, meaning it is not rechargeable
Resistance
It is the ratio of potential difference to current
Resistivity
It is the amount of resistance a material has based on its length and cross-sectional area
Resistor
It is a device with a constant resistance
Secondary cell
It is a cell with an internal reaction reversible with electricity, meaning it is rechargeable
Series circuit
It is a circuit with devices aligned in one continuous loop
Switch
This device breaks the circuit when it is open, and thus no current runs. When it is closed, it completes the circuit and allows current to run
Terminal voltage
It is the maximum voltage a cell can produce
Thermistor
This device’s resistance is dependent on its temperature. Most types decrease in resistance when their temperature increases
Variable resistor
This device’s resistance can be manually changed
Voltmeter
This device measures the voltage over the portion of a circuit it is parallel with
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