Electric Current ~Charge in Motion~

Electric Current The phenomenon of electrical charge in motion is known as electric current. Recall, electrons are the atomic particles that move freely through conductors. Current can be measured in terms of counting the number of charges that pass a given point in a definite amount of time. The variable for current is I. The Amp (A), the unit for current, is defined as a Coulomb per second.

Direct Current (DC) DC stands for direct current. Here current only travels in one direction.

Alternating Current (AC) AC stands for alternating current. Here current switches directions at a set frequency.

Voltage Current only flows if there is something to push the charges along. This is facilitated by an imbalance in charge within a conductor. This imbalance is similar to stored potential energy. Since the free electrons in a conductor repel each other, they are compelled to balance out. If the imbalance is maintained, charge will continue to flow. This imbalance or electric potential difference is called voltage. Voltage in a circuit is analogous to pressure in a water hose. The variable for voltage is V and the unit is the volt (V). Voltage Source OFFON

Voltage Sources There are different types of devices that can provide a source of voltage. Sources that provide DC include: –Batteries –DC Power Supplies –DC Generators Sources that provide AC include: –Electrical Outlets –Alternators –Power Inverters

Electric Circuits Electric current flows very well if there is a complete loop for charge to flow. This is called an electrical circuit. Circuits often contain various elements, giving it practical use. Examples of circuit elements include: –Switches –Sources of Resistance (Such as a Light) –Meters

Circuit Symbols Each circuit element has its own symbol. Common circuit symbols are shown below. Resistor Switch WireBattery Voltmeter Ammeter A Conductor of Current Opens and Closes Circuits Provides Resistance to Current Flow Source of DC Charge Flow Measures Current Measures Voltage

More Circuit Symbols Here are some additional circuit symbols that you may see. Potentiometer AC Source Ground Crossing Junction Capacitor Diode Stores Charge on Plates Variable Resistor Provides AC Current Drains Excess Charge Buildup Only Allows Current to Flow One Way All Four Wires Connect Wires Only Cross and do not Connect.

Electrical Resistance Every circuit contains some resistance to current flow. This is due to imperfections in the crystalline lattice structure of the conductor. Imagine the lattice structure below is the atoms in a wire. Notice how the moving electrons experience resistance. The variable for resistance is R. The unit for resistance is the Ohm (symbol  ).

Changing Resistance in An Object Consider the wire shown below. How can the resistance be reduced in the wire? –Make it thicker. –Make it shorter. –Reduce the temperature. –Change the material to a better conductor. Cu Temp Ag

Ohm’s Law The current in a circuit is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance. This relationship is known as Ohm’s Law. Resistance (  ) Voltage (V) Current (A)

Sample Problem (Ohm’s Law) A toaster is connected to a 120V outlet and draws 3A of electrical current. What is the resistance of the toaster?

Electrical Power All circuits require that energy be consumed. Electrical Power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed (J/s). Some electrical elements consume more power than others. Just like other forms of power, the units are in Watts (W). The equation relating power to energy is shown below. Power (W) Electrical Energy (J) Time (s) 60W120W vs

Power and Electricity There are also two useful equations that relate power to electrical quantities. Notice how current is squared in the second equation. Increasing current in a circuit drastically increases the power consumed. High current wires generate heat. This is why electricity transferred over large distances is at high voltage and not high current. Otherwise, the power losses would be very wasteful.

Sample Problem (Electrical Power) Remember the toaster from a previous problem? What is the power consumed by the toaster? If it takes 45s for the toast to be made, how much energy was consumed? Given

The Kilowatt Hour Did you ever read an electric bill? You are charged for the number of kilowatt hours used during the month. This is energy, not power, because: The amount of kilowatt-hours gets multiplied times a rate to find the overall energy cost. Power (kW) Time (h) Cost ($) Rate Energy (kWh) 1kW =1000W

How Much Energy is a kWh? We all know that the SI unit for energy is the Joule (J). How many Joules are there in one kilowatt hour? or

Sample Problem (KWh) During the winter, an electric heater runs 8 hours every day over the course of a month (30 days). The power consumed by the heater is 1200W. How many kWh of energy are consumed? If the rate is $0.11 per kWh, then what is the cost to operate the heater?

Conclusion This chapter introduces the concept of electric current and various properties associated with it. This includes: –Electric Potential (voltage) –Electric Circuits –Electrical Resistance and Ohm’s Law –Electrical Power/Energy –The Kilowatt Hour Make sure you know the variables for all quantities and their associated units. Next chapter, you will be exposed to some intricacies of electrical circuits!