1. Electric Current: Basics

2. Current Electricity Current electricity is like current in a river. A high or fast river current means the water is rushing past the shore quickly. A high current in electricity means that the electrons are moving past points in the circuit quickly.

3. Current Electricity Electrons keep moving around the circuit with a constant source of energy (ex. Battery, power outlet, etc.) – Energy gives the electrons a ‘push’

4. Current Electricity Current: the rate of electron flow past a given point in a circuit

5. Current Electricity Symbol: I Units: Amperes (A) Measured with: Ammeter

6. Potential Difference

7. Potential Difference/Voltage: the difference in electrical energy per unit charge measured at two different points Symbol: V Units: Volts Measured with: Voltmeter

8. What is an Electric Circuit? An electric circuit is a continuous path through which an electric current is passed Electric circuits convert electrical energy into other forms of energy we need – such as heat or light.

9. Parts of an Electric Circuit There are five basic parts found in a simple electric circuit.

10. Parts of an Electric Circuit Energy Source – Provides electrical energy in a circuit – E.g. battery, electrical outlet Battery (energy source)

11. Parts of an Electric Circuit Load – An electrical device that converts electrical energy into another form – E.g. light bulb, motor Light Bulb (load)

12. Parts of an Electric Circuit Switch – A control device that opens or closes a circuit Switch

13. Parts of an Electric Circuit Connectors – Conducting wires carry the electrical energy Connectors

14. Parts of an Electric Circuit Meters – Measure current (ammeter) and potential difference (voltmeter) VoltmeterAmmeter

15. Electrical Symbols Energy Source – One Battery

16. Electrical Symbols Energy Source One Battery (One Dry Cell) Two Batteries (Two Dry Cells)

17. Electrical Symbols - Load Light Bulb

18. Electrical Symbols - Load Light BulbMotor

19. Electrical Symbols - Switch Open SwitchClosed Switch

20. Electrical Symbols - Connectors Conducting wire

21. Electrical Symbols - Meters VoltmeterAmmeter

22. Electrical Symbols - Resistors Resistor