Electric Current and Conductors in Physics Lesson 1

Electric Current and Measurement

• Electric current refers to the flow of electric charge through a conductor.
• The unit for measuring electric current is the Ampere (A).

Charge Flow Calculation

• The amount of charge (Q) passing a point in the circuit can be calculated using the equation: Q = I × t, where I is current in Amperes and t is time in seconds.

Atomic Structure

• Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Electric Field Force

• The property of a body that experiences a force in an electric field is called electric charge.

Energy Transfer Particles

• Electrons are the particles that transfer energy through wires as electricity.

Circuit Conditions

• If a circuit is open, current cannot flow, resulting in no electrical energy reaching components.
• An open circuit is created when there is a break or disconnection in the circuit.

Conditions for Current Flow

• To cause current to flow through a circuit, there must be a complete (closed) path along with a voltage source.

Electrical Flow Route

• Wires provide a route for electricity to flow in a circuit.

Power Consumption

• Components such as resistors, light bulbs, and appliances consume power in a circuit.

Charge Flow Regulation

• Resistors slow down the flow of charge and convert electrical energy into light or heat in a circuit.

Electron Quantity and Charge Equivalence

• A charge of 1 Coulomb is equivalent to approximately 6.25 x 10^16 electrons.

Current Flow Requirements

• A complete circuit, which includes a voltage source and connections, is needed for current to flow.

Closed Circuit Definition

• A closed circuit means there are no breaks in the path, allowing current to flow freely.

Resistance in Circuits

• Certain elements, like resistors, provide resistance and alter the flow of charge, often turning it into light energy (e.g., in light bulbs).