1. Electric Current: Basics

2. 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.

3. 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’

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

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

6. Potential Difference

7. 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

8. 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.

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

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

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

12. Parts of an Electric Circuit
Switch
Opens or closes a circuit
Switch

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

14. Parts of an Electric Circuit
Meters
Measure current (ammeter) and potential difference (voltmeter)
Ammeter
Voltmeter

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

16. Electrical Symbols - Load
Light Bulb
Motor

17. Electrical Symbols - Switch
Open Switch
Closed Switch

18. Electrical Symbols - Connectors
Conducting wire

19. Electrical Symbols - Meters
Voltmeter
Ammeter

20. Electrical Symbols - Resistors

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

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