Electricity and Circuits Overview

Electron & Electricity

• Electrons constitute electricity. The term 'electron' combines 'electric' and 'ion.'
• Electrons are tiny, charged particles within atoms.
• A stream of moving electrons through a conductor creates electricity.

Conductors and Insulators

• Conductors allow electron flow. Examples include copper, aluminum, gold, and silver wires.
• Insulators resist electron flow. Examples include rubber, wood, air, plastic, and glass.

Circuits

• A circuit's path must be continuous, forming a closed loop to allow electron flow.
• An open circuit breaks this loop; the electrons cannot move.
• The word "circuit" originates from the Latin "circuitus," meaning "circular motion".

Electrical Circuits

• Essential components for a closed circuit:
  • A power source (e.g., a battery) provides the force for electron movement.
  • Conductors (e.g., wires) create the path for electrons.
  • An appliance (e.g., a lamp) uses the electricity.
• A circuit must be closed for electrons to flow.
• Batteries have positive and negative terminals.
• Wires must be connected to both terminals for the circuit to function.
• A short circuit occurs if there's no device for the electrical current to flow to.

Switches

• Switches are devices that interrupt or complete a circuit.
• An open switch interrupts electron flow.
• A closed switch allows electron flow.
• A switch operates similarly to a drawbridge in controlling passage.
• Flipping a switch to turn on a light closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow and activate the light bulb.