ELECTRICITY

How does current flow through a conductor? - All materials are made up of atoms. The centre of the atom is
called the nucleus. It consists of protons [positively charged] and neutrons [neutral]. Electrons [negatively
charged] revolve around the nucleus in paths called orbits. The flow of charges takes place due to the
movement of free electrons. This movement takes place in a particular direction only. The flow of charges
from a region of excess electrons to the region deficit in electrons constitutes electric current.

UNITS - The SI Unit of electric current is the ampere. An ampere is a unit of measure of the rate of electron
flow or current in an electrical conductor.
The SI unit of charge (Q) is Coulomb (C). The amount of charge flowing per unit time is known as electric
current.

If one coulomb of charge (Q) flows through a conductor in one second, the current (l) flowing through the
𝑸
conductor is one ampere (1 A). I=
𝒕

Why / How does an electric current flow only when there is a potential difference?
Electric charge is of two types, namely positive and negative, which exert attractive forces on each other but
repulsive forces on themselves. A high potential region is produced by the accumulation of electrons due to
larger force of repulsion. A low potential region is produced with less number of or no electrons due to low
repulsive force, thus its sets the flow of electrons which, is electric current. Thus, an electric current flows only
when there is a potential difference.
Potential difference between any two points can also be defined as the amount of work done in moving a unit
charge from one point to another. The S.I unit of potential difference is Volt (V). It is named after the Italian
Physicist Alessandro Volta.
Potential difference = Work done/Charge
1 Volt = 1 Joule/ 1 Coulomb
1V = 1J/1C
1 Volt is the amount of potential difference produced when 1 Joule of work is done to move 1 Coulomb of charge.

Why does a torch glow when we put a cell?

One end of the cell is marked positive (+) and the other end marked negative (-). When it is inserted into a torch
and the torch is switched on there is a potential difference between the two ends of the cell that causes a current
to flow through the circuit and the bulb glows because there is a flow of electric current.

GR - The direction of the conventional current is taken to be opposite to the direction of flow of electrons
Electrons flow from a point of excess of electrons to a point where
there is deficiency of electrons. By convention the direction of
flow of electric current is taken to be from the positive terminal of
the battery, through the connecting wires and the torch bulb, to
the negative terminal. This is called conventional current. Thus,
the direction of the conventional current is taken to be opposite to
the direction of flow of electrons

What are the sources of electricity?

1. Electrochemical cells or electric cells
It is a small source of electricity used to operate devices such as clocks, calculators, mobile phones and cameras.
It converts chemical energy into electrical energy. When electric cells are used, a chemical reaction takes place
inside the cells which produces charge in the cells. They are of 2 types -primary and secondary.

i. Primary cell – Dry cell -

Why are dry cells so popular? They are small light and portable. No fear of leakage. Used in a number of
gadgets like toys, tv remotes, calculators, torches etc.

ii. Secondary cell (Battery) - A number of primary cells connected in series forms a battery. Vehicles such as
cars and trucks that need more electrical energy work on batteries. They are connected in such a way that the
positive terminal of the preceding cell is in contact with the negative terminal of the following cell. Thus, the
amount of electrical energy available is increased. Secondary cells are also called storage cells or
accumulators.

2. Mains - Electricity to operate domestic appliances is obtained from the mains. Electricity is generated at
electric power stations which is then transferred to houses through various transformers and overhead wires
on poles or through underground cables. Electricity reaches the mains, from where it can be routed to various
devices.

3. Generators or dynamos - An electric generator or dynamo is a device that converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy. In a generator, copper wire is rotated in a magnetic field to produce an electric current. Small
generators such as those used at homes for back-up during power cuts use fuels such as diesel or kerosene to run
the turbine
Large-scale generators are used in power houses to produce electricity.
• In hydroelectric power stations, turbines are rotated by flowing water. This provides the mechanical energy
which is converted to electrical energy with the help of strong magnetic fields in generators.
• A thermal power plant uses energy produced from fossil fuels such as coal, diesel or natural gas to produce
electricity.
• An atomic or nuclear power plant uses nuclear energy to generate electric current.

4. Solar cells – A solar cell stores solar energy in the form of electrical energy. When sunlight falls on these solar
cells, electricity is generated. Solar cells are used to power electronic calculators, watches, streetlights and
lighthouses. A solar panel is formed by a large number of solar cells connected together. Solar panels are used in
artificial satellites and space stations.

5. Electricity from wind - The energy of the wind is used to rotate the blades of a windmill, which in turn,
generates electricity. The more the speed of the wind, the more will be its energy and thus more electricity is
generated.

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - An electric circuit is defined as a closed path in which electric current flows. The whole
combination of a cell, connecting wires, bulb are connected to provide a complete path for the flow of charges
from one terminal to the other terminal of a cell constitutes an electric circuit.
CLOSED / COMPLETE CIRCUITS OPEN CIRCUITS
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM - A circuit diagram is a convenient way
to show the path of electric current on paper by using
conventional symbols. The commonly used electrical
components in an electric circuit are cell or battery, switch (ON
and OFF), any device and connecting wires. The arrow marked
shows the direction of conventional current.

There are mainly two types of circuit systems

SERIES CIRCUITS PARALLEL CIRCUITS

What are resistors? They are devices having

resistance to the passage of an electric
current. A resistor limits or regulates the flow
of electricity in an electrical circuit. The
measure of the opposition to current flow in
an electrical circuit is known as resistance.

CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS

Substances which allow electric current to flow through them easily are called conductors. All metals such as
copper, silver, copper is used in making good quality electric wires and other electrical components. The human
body also allows current to pass through it, but it is not as good a conductor as metals. Impure water is also a
conductor.
Substances which do not allow electric current to flow through them easily are called insulators or non-
conductors. Cotton, rubber, paper, glass, ceramics, plastic, wood and pure water are insulators.

Air is an insulator. Therefore, if any part of the circuit is broken, there is no flow of electric current.

What precautions should one exercise while using electricity?

1. Do not touch electrical appliances and switches with wet hands, as tap water and your body, being good
conductors of electricity, will cause the current to flow through the body.
2. Never get electrical repairs done by an untrained person.
3. Check that the plug fits properly in the socket otherwise there will be sparking and burning of the socket
4. Never touch the metallic parts of electrical appliances with bare hands or metal object when they are in use.
5. Use only ISI marked wires. Cover all naked wires with insulating tape. Do not touch live wires with bare
hands
6. Stand on an insulator such as a rubber mat or a wooden board when doing electrical work.
7. Put off the main switch immediately in case of short circuit and fire.