8.2 ELECTRIC CURRENT BC Science 9: p

Electric Circuit An electric circuit is a complete pathway that allows electrons to flow. Electrons flow through devices (ie. loads) in the circuit that convert electricity into other forms of energy. – Eg. Radio (sound energy).

Basic Circuit Components Source: gives the circuit a source of energy. Conductor: wire where current flows. Load: turns electricity into other forms of energy. Switch: turns the circuit on or off.

Circuit Diagrams Circuit diagrams give an organized representation of an actual circuit.

Current Flow The continuous flow of charge in a complete circuit is called current electricity. Electric current is defined as the amount of charge passing a point in a conductor every second.

Current Flow Current is measured in amperes (A). An ammeter is device used to measure current.

Conventional Current The flow of electricity is from negative to positive (ie. the flow of electrons). Originally, scientists mistakenly believed electricity flowed from positive to negative. Descriptions of this flow from positive to negative still exist today. It is known as conventional current.