Electric Current: Basics

Current Electricity Current electricity is like current in a river. A high or fast river current means the water is rushing past the shore quickly. A high current in electricity means that the electrons are moving past points in the circuit quickly.

Current Electricity Electrons keep moving around the circuit with a constant source of energy (ex. Battery, power outlet, etc.) – Energy gives the electrons a ‘push’

Current Electricity Current: the rate of electron flow past a given point in a circuit

Current Electricity Symbol: I Units: Amperes (A) Measured with: Ammeter

Potential Difference

Potential Difference/Voltage: the difference in electrical energy per unit charge measured at two different points Symbol: V Units: Volts Measured with: Voltmeter

What is an Electric Circuit? An electric circuit is a continuous path through which an electric current is passed Electric circuits convert electrical energy into other forms of energy we need – such as heat or light.

Parts of an Electric Circuit There are five basic parts found in a simple electric circuit.

Parts of an Electric Circuit Energy Source – Provides electrical energy – E.g. battery, electrical outlet Battery (energy source)

Parts of an Electric Circuit Load – Converts electrical energy into another form – E.g. light bulb, motor Light Bulb (load)

Parts of an Electric Circuit Switch – Opens or closes a circuit Switch

Parts of an Electric Circuit Connectors – Conducting wires carry the electrical energy Connectors

Parts of an Electric Circuit Meters – Measure current (ammeter) and potential difference (voltmeter) VoltmeterAmmeter

Electrical Symbols Energy Source One Battery (One Dry Cell) Two Batteries (Two Dry Cells)

Electrical Symbols - Load Light BulbMotor

Electrical Symbols - Switch Open SwitchClosed Switch

Electrical Symbols - Connectors Conducting wire

Electrical Symbols - Meters VoltmeterAmmeter

Electrical Symbols - Resistors Resistor

Series Circuit A circuit in which the flow of electrons follows only one path.

Parallel Circuit A circuit in which the electrons can flow in more than one path.