INTRODUCTION

THE SPARK BEGINS

Electric current is the flow of electric charge, primarily

electrons, through a conductor caused by a difference in
electric potential. This flow powers our homes, gadgets,
and industries.

Exploring its behavior—how it moves, what resists it, and

how it delivers energy—unlocks the secrets behind
countless everyday technologies and the science of
electricity itself.
 THE BASICS OF FLOW
WHAT IS ELECTRIC CURRENT?

Electric current is the continuous flow of electric charge, usually

carried by electrons in a conductor.

It forms the backbone of all electrical systems.

I=Q/t
where I is Current, Q is Charge, and t is Time

A higher current means more charge is flowing per second. This

simple yet powerful concept is vital to all electrical operations.
 TRACING THE SOURCE
WHERE DOES CURRENT COME FROM?

Electric current originates from a potential difference, often

supplied by a battery or power source. This potential
difference, also known as voltage (V), creates an electric
field that pushes electrons to flow through a conductor.
Electrons move from the negative terminal to the positive
terminal. Without this driving force, no current would exist.
The basic relationship is:

V=W/Q
where V is Potential Difference, W is Work Done and Q is charge
 ENTER OHM’S LAW
UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP

Ohm’s Law is a basic principle in electricity:

V=IxR

It tells us that the current flowing through a conductor

increases with voltage and decreases with resistance. Ohm’s
Law helps us understand how electricity behaves in circuits.
It is essential for calculating how much current will flow,
choosing the right resistors, and designing safe and effective
electrical devices and systems.
 RESISTANCE
THE INVISIBLE ROADBLOCK

Resistance is the property of a material that opposes the flow

of electric current. It is measured in ohms (Ω) and depends on
four factors:
Length (longer wires = more resistance)
Cross-sectional area (thicker wires = less resistance)
Material type (some conduct better than others)
Temperature (resistance usually increases with heat)

The formula is:

Where ρ is resistivity, L is length, and A is area. Resistance
helps control current in circuits and prevents damage.
 DRIFT VELOCITY
THE MICROSCOPIC VIEW

Drift velocity is the average velocity that a free electron

attains due to an electric field in a conductor. Though
electrons move randomly, an applied voltage causes them
to drift slowly in one direction.
Formula:

Despite high-speed collisions, drift velocity is quite low

but crucial for current flow.
 THE ROLE OF MATERIALS
CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS, AND SEMICONDUCTORS
Materials affect how easily electric current can pass through them:

Conductors are materials that allow electric current to flow freely

because they have many free electrons.
Examples: copper, aluminum, and silver.
Insulators block the flow of current because their electrons are
tightly bound.
Examples: rubber, glass, and plastic.
Semiconductors have conductivity between conductors and insulators.
Their ability to conduct electricity can be controlled by temperature or
by adding impurities.
Examples: silicon and germanium.

These materials shape all modern electrical and electronic systems.

HOW IT ALL CONNECTS
SERIES AND PARALLEL CIRCUITS

Resistors can be connected in series or parallel

to control current and voltage in a circuit:

SERIES PARALLEL

These combinations help divide voltage and

current as needed in electrical circuits.
 POWER DELIVERED
CALCULATING ENERGY USE

Power delivered in an electric circuit is the rate at which electrical

energy is transferred or converted into other forms like heat, light, or
mechanical work. It is calculated by the product of voltage and
current:

Using Ohm’s law, power can also be expressed as:

Power helps quantify energy consumption in devices, making it

essential for designing efficient electrical systems.
 THE HEATING GAME
WHEN CURRENT WARMS

When current flows through a conductor, it produces heat—

a phenomenon known as the Joule Heating Effect.
This is expressed as:

The heating effect is used in electric heaters, toasters, and

fuses. While beneficial in appliances, excessive heating can
damage components, so controlling it is critical in circuit
design and power regulation.
 SOURCE CODE
CELLS AND BATTERIES EXPLAINED

Cells and batteries convert chemical energy into electrical

energy. A cell has two electrodes—an anode and a cathode
—immersed in electrolyte. The potential difference
between them generates current.

A battery is a group of cells connected to provide greater

voltage and capacity.
EMF AND INTERNAL RESISTANCE
THE HIDDEN FORCES

EMF (Electromotive Force) is the total energy supplied per

coulomb of charge by a power source. It is not a force, but
energy per unit charge:

​
However, real sources have internal resistance (r) which
reduces terminal voltage when current flows:
 KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS
THE RULES OF CIRCUITS
Kirchhoff’s Laws govern complex electric circuits.
KCL (Current Law): The algebraic sum of currents at a junction
is zero:

(Voltage Law): The total voltage in a closed loop equals zero:

These laws help analyze multi-loop circuits where simple Ohm’s

law isn’t enough. They ensure conservation of charge and energy,
making them vital tools in circuit analysis.
 MEASURING DEVICES
THE EYES ON CURRENT

To monitor electric current, we use instruments like the

ammeter, voltmeter, and galvanometer.
Ammeter measures current; connected in series.
Voltmeter measures potential difference; connected in
parallel.
Galvanometer detects small currents and is used in
sensitive circuits.
These devices operate on magnetic deflection principles.
Proper usage ensures accuracy and circuit safety. Modern
digital multimeters combine all these functions, helping
diagnose and test electronics effectively and reliably.
 SUPERCONDUCTORS
THE FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY

Superconductors are special materials that exhibit zero

electrical resistance below a certain critical temperature.
This unique property allows electric current to flow without
energy loss, unlike ordinary conductors. Superconductors
are used in magnetic levitation trains, MRI machines, and
efficient power transmission. They represent the future of
electricity by promising lossless energy transfer and
powerful electromagnets, potentially revolutionizing
electrical engineering and energy sectors worldwide.
 SAFETY DEVICES
THE GUARDIANS OF CURRENT

Electrical safety devices protect circuits and users from

damage caused by faults like overloads or short circuits.
Fuses and circuit breakers interrupt current flow when it
exceeds safe limits, preventing fires or equipment damage.
Earthing directs excess current safely to the ground. These
devices are vital for safe and reliable electrical systems in
homes, industries, and appliances, ensuring protection
against shocks and accidents.
 APPLICATIONS
THE REAL WORLD USE

Electric circuits power everyday devices and industries by

controlling and directing electric current. Practical circuits
use combinations of resistors, capacitors, batteries, and
switches to perform specific tasks like lighting, heating, or
data transmission. Understanding circuit design enables
the development of efficient and reliable gadgets,
household appliances, and communication systems,
demonstrating the widespread real-world application of
electric current principles.
 WRAPPING IT UP!
THE CIRCUIT COMPLETES

This project covers the journey of electric current from

microscopic electron motion to practical applications in
daily life. We explored key concepts such as drift velocity,
resistance, power, and safety devices, connecting theory
with real-world examples. Understanding electric current
deepens our appreciation for modern technology and its
safe, efficient use. This knowledge prepares us to innovate
and responsibly manage electrical systems that power the
world.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.NCERT Class 12 Physics Textbook – Part 1
2.www.physicsclassroom.com – Concept tutorials and
diagrams
3.www.khanacademy.org – Video explanations
4.Wikipedia – Electric current, Resistance, Ohm’s Law
5.YouTube: Learn Engineering, ExamFear Education – Visual
demonstrations