2. CIRCUITS AND CURRENT

3. The build up of stationary electric charges (positive and negative) on two different surfaces. Caused by the TRANSFER of electrons from one place to another. Recall Static Electricity

4. Current Electricity The continuous flow of electrons in a closed circuit.

5. What is an Electric Circuit? A circuit is a pathway for electricity to flow made up of four basic components.

6. Component #1: The Source Function: Provides the circuit with electrical energy and a supply of current (electrons). one-celled battery three-celled battery AC power supply Schematic Diagram AC

7. Component #2: Conductors Function – Wires/Wires Joined:  Provides a path for current to flow. In a perfect conductor no energy is lost. The current flows with no resistance. Function – Ground Connection:  The ground allows electrons to flow to the ground or from the ground.

8. wire wires joined ground connection Schematic Diagram

9. Component #3: Switch Function – Open Switch: An open switch prevents current from flowing in a circuit. Function – Closed Switch: A closed switch allows current to flow. Function – Fuse/Circuit Breaker: A fuse prevents a circuit from overloading with too much current by opening the circuit before it over heats.

10. open switch closed switch fuse/circuit breaker Schematic Diagram

11. A fuse is basically a current limiting electrical device, designed to destroy itself instead of the equipment they are connected to.

12. A circuit breaker is an electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by current overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt the current flow.

13. Component #4: The Load  Any device that needs electrical energy to function.  The load is designed to take the electrical energy and converts it into the needed form of energy. e.g. stove, fridge, toaster, light bulb

14. Light Bulb  Converts electrical energy into light energy. Schematic Diagram

15. Resistor  A device added to a circuit to decrease the amount of current (electrons) flowing in the circuit per second. Schematic Diagram

16. A Motor  Converts electrical energy in to mechanical or kinetic energy (movement). Schematic Diagram M

17. Types of Energy  Light Energy (e.g. light bulb)  Heat Energy (e.g.stove, curling iron, toaster)  Mechanical or Kinetic Energy - Movement (e.g. blender, ceiling fan)  Sound Energy ( e.g. i-pod, radio)