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.

 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.

 Series Circuit – circuit that has only one path for electric current to flow. Below  Parallel Circuit – A circuit that has more than one path for electric current to flow. Right photo

 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

 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

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

 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