Current
Basic Concepts of Electric Currents
1. What is Electric Current?
Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a material. Imagine it like water flowing through a hose. Instead of water, it's tiny particles called electrons moving through wires.
2. What Causes Electric Current?
Electric current happens when there’s a difference in electric pressure between two points. Think of it like a hill. Water flows downhill from a high place to a low place because of gravity. Similarly, electric current flows from a place with higher electric pressure (voltage) to a place with lower pressure.
3. How Does It Flow?
Conductors: Wires or materials that allow electric current to flow easily are called conductors (like copper wires).
Insulators: Materials that don't allow electric current to flow through them easily are called insulators (like rubber or plastic around the wires).
4. Measuring Electric Current
Amperes (Amps): Electric current is measured in units called amperes, often shortened to amps. One ampere means one coulomb (a bunch of electrons) flowing through a point every second.
5. Voltage: The Push
Voltage is like the push that makes electrons move. It’s measured in volts. Higher voltage means more push, making the current flow stronger.
6. Resistance: The Blockage
Resistance is anything that makes it harder for the current to flow. It’s measured in ohms. Think of it like a narrow part of a hose that slows down the water flow. Higher resistance means less current flows.
7. How Current Flows in a Circuit
Circuit: A complete loop through which electric current can flow. It needs a power source (like a battery), conductors (wires), and something that uses the electricity (like a light bulb). If there’s a break in the loop, the current stops flowing.
8. Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuit: In a series circuit, all components are connected in a single path. If one component fails, the entire circuit stops working.
Parallel Circuit: In a parallel circuit, components are connected in multiple paths. If one path fails, the current can still flow through other paths.