Electric Current Electrical current is the flow of

Electric Current Electrical current is the flow of electrons. Unlike static electricity, charges are in motion. Two types of Current I. Direct current (DC) - flow of electrons in one direction. car battery, flashlight batteries, photovoltaic (solar) cell II. Alternating current (AC) - flow of electrons back and forth along a path. electric generator

Electric Current CURRENT (I) – flow of electrons along a conductor unit: ampere (amp) 1 ampere = 1 coulomb/1 sec RESISTANCE ( R ) – opposition to the flow of electrons. Electrons do work and lose energy in the form of heat. unit: ohm (W) Jsec/coulomb 2 VOLTAGE ( V ) Potential Difference - energy available to move electrons from objects of high potential to objects of low potential energy. measures amount of work electrons can do if they move between two points. unit: volt (V) 1 volt = 1 Joule/1 coulomb High voltage greater potential to do work. Low voltage less potential to do work. e' e' e' High potential energy charged Low potential energy uncharged

Electric Current OHM‘S LAW - current is dependent on voltage and resistance. It is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance. current = voltage resistance I = V R units: amps = volts ohms The greater the voltage, the greater the current The lower the voltage, the lower the current The lower the resistance, the greater the current The greater the resistance, the lower the current

Electric Circuits Circuit – path, or loop, formed by a conductor that allows electrons to flow. SERIES CIRCUIT - circuit where current travels through only one loop PARALLEL CIRCUIT - circuit consisting of several smaller circuits connected together

Electric Circuits Circuit – path, or loop, formed by a conductor for electrons to flow. SYMBOLS - conductor switch (open) switch (closed) power source (battery) flow light bulb resistor Fuse - metal in a circuit which melts when current is too high Circuit breaker - metal in a circuit which bends when current is too high

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