Electricity basics

Electricity starts with electrons. Every atom contains one or more electrons. Electrons have a negative charge.

Simplest modelof an atom

ElectricityElectricity is the flow tiny particles called electrons. Electrons are the tiny particles that buzz around the outside of atoms. Now when electrons are able to jump from one atom to another, well, that is the flow of electricity. Atoms are like a bunch of beehives. The electrons are like the bees buzzing around the hives. When electricity flows, it is like the bees jumping from hive to hive. That flow of electrons is electricity, and electricity power things such as a light bulb, a radio, or a toaster that gives off heat.

Current Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy produced by the movement of electrons. Electricity is electrical power or an electric current. This form of energy can be sent through wires in a flow of tiny particles. It is used to produce light and heat and to run motors.

Circuit

An electrical circuit is a circular, unbroken path by which an electric current can flow that starts and finishes at the same place. A small racecar track is a circuit because it forms a complete, closed loop.

Series Circuit vs. Parallel Circuit

A series circuit is the opposite of parallel. A series circuit is a closed circuit having its parts arrange on only one path so that in order for the current to pass by a part, it must pass by the one before it first in order to get to the next.

Series circuit vs. Parallel Circuit (continued)A parallel circuit is a closed circuit in which the current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit.

Circuit Did you know?Notice that all plugs have two metal prongs. That is because electricity has to flow in a loop, also called a circuit. So, when connected to the wall, the electrical current goes in one prong through the wire, through an electric appliance like a toaster, then out the other prong and back into the wall.

Static Electricity

The cause of static electricity is caused by negatively charged electrons that are deposited on the outer surface of an object due to friction caused by rubbing for example the soles of shoes on a carpet, then you get a minor electrical shock when touching a doorknob that has positively charged protons on its outer surface. The process causes electrons to be pulled from the surface of one material and relocated on the surface of the other material.