Electricity Electric Current

Electric Current Electric current is the continuous flow of electric charges through a material. Needed to power any electrical device. Measured in amp (A) Amps = amount of charge flowing past a given point each second.

Circuits In order for electric current to exist, a circuit must first exist. An electric circuit is a complete, unbroken path through which electric charges can flow.

Conductors and Insulators A conductor is a material through which charges can flow easily. Electrons are loosely bound Conduction electrons form an electric current Carry electric charges An insulator is a material through which charges cannot flow easily. Electrons are bound tightly to their atoms Stop the flow of charges

Conductors

Insulators

Quia - Insulators & Conductors The Blobz Guide - Game 2

Voltage Potential energy is capacity to do work. Battery provides electrical potential energy Voltage is the difference in electrical potential energy between two places. This can also be called potential difference Voltage causes a current in an electric circuit Basically, it is the amount of force pushing an electric current

Voltage Source A voltage source is a device that creates a potential difference in an electric circuit. The voltage between the terminals is what causes the charges to move Batteries Generators

Resistance Resistance is the measure of how difficult it is for charges to flow through a material. Greater the resistance, less the current Measured in ohm

What determines resistance? Material Insulators have high resistance Conductors have low resistance Length Longer wire, more resistance Shorter wire, less resistance Diameter Wide wire, less resistance Thin wire, more resistance Temperature Higher temperature, resistance increases Lower temperature, lower resistance

Brainpop! Current Electricity