Electric Current
Science: KS3, topic 3.4.3
Electric Current
Current in electrical wires is the flow of electric charge. The charge is carried by electrons.
Current
- Electrical current flows through wires.
- When we say electricity is flowing, we mean current is flowing.
Circuit and Current
- Current can only flow if the circuit is complete.
- The switch must also be closed, if there is one.
- Current is not used up in a circuit.
- Current transfers energy.
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Electrons
- Electrons are negatively charged.
- Electrons have charge.
- Electrons are already in the wires.
Good Conductors
- Wires are made from metals like copper.
- Metals like copper let electrons flow through them easily.
- If electrons flow through materials, we call them good conductors.
Test yourself on Electric Current
What carries current in an electric circuit?
Which are true of electrons?
What is the definition of electrical current?
What is needed for a current to flow?
A copper wire in a circuit is replaced with a plastic wire. What would happen to the current?