3.4.3

Electric Current

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Electric Current

Current in electrical wires is the flow of electric charge. This charge is carried by electrons.

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Current

  • Electrical current flows through wires.
  • When we say electricity is flowing we really mean electrical current is flowing.
  • It can only flow if the circuit is complete and, if you are using one, the switch is closed.
  • It is very important to remember that in a circuit, current is not used up.
  • Current transfers energy.
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Electrons

  • Electrons are negatively charged.
  • Electrons carry electrical charges.
    • They are already in the wires.
  • Electrical wires are made from metals like copper because electrons can flow easily through them.
  • If electrons flow through materials, we say these materials are good conductors.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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