Introduction to
Electricity
By. Sanvi k. and Meera K.
What is
Electricity?
Electricity is the flow of charged
particles. Charged particles include
positive protons and negative
electrons. An electric current is the
flow of electrons around a circuit.
why do we need
electricity?
Electricity is essential for
lighting, powering appliances,
transport and communication
systems. Without electricity,
life would be very different.
ELECTRICAL
CONDUCTORS &
INSULATORS
electrical conductors
All materials contain electrons (negatively charged particles). In metals, the
electrons are free to move and carry the electrical charge. This makes them
electrical conductors.
electrical insulators
Most non-metal materials can’t conduct electricity. This is because their electrons
are not free to move, so they are unable to carry electrical charge. This makes
them electrical insulators.
static
electricity
When you rub a balloon on a jumper, the
electrons move from the jumper to the
balloon. Negative charge builds up on the
balloon. This is called static electricity. If
you touch the balloon, you may get an
electric shock, as electrical charge
travels through you to the ground.
quick quiz
Name something powered by
electricity.
Name a material which is an
electrical insulator.
What is electricity?
What is static electricity?
What makes a metal a good
electrical conductor?
quick quiz answers
Lights, appliances, transport
or communication systems.
Wood, plastic or rubber.
The flow of charged particles.
The build up of electrical
charge.
Electrons are free to move
and carry electrical charge.
Circuits
Exploring the components of a circuit
Circuits Which of these circuits would work?
A B C
Circuits Which of these circuits would work?
ANSWER
KEY
A plastic toothbrush A metal screw is a
A plastic comb is not a is not a conductor of conductor of electricity,
conductor of electricity. electricity, and a power but the power source
source is missing. is missing.
What is an electric circuit?
DIRECTION OF
It is a complete path ELECTRIC CURRENT
through which electric
current flows.
It should be
constructed in an
unbroken loop.
The pump acts like the cell or battery
the pipes are like the wires
the radiator is like a component, for example a lamp,
transferring energy to the room
the water flow is like the electrical current
In many ways, electrical current behaves like water
flowing through a closed ring of piping. The movement of
the water through the pipe is like the movement of
electrons through a circuit.
What makes an electric A simple circuit consists of a battery
(or other source), a light bulb (or other
circuit complete? load) and conducting wires.
COMPONENT
SYMBOL
Other Circuit Shown below are other circuit
components and their corresponding
Components electrical symbols:
battery closed switch open switch
resistor motor fuse
What happens A dry cell provides the ‘push’ needed
for electrons to flow in the loop.
in a circuit?
These electrons are already present
in the wires.
When these electrons pass through
a load or a receiver, electrical
energy can change into other forms,
such as light, heat and sound.
Completing the Circuit
Given a LED, a wire and a cell
(power source), can you suggest:
1 way to connect them to
get the LED to light up?
1 way to connect them such
that the bulb does not light up?
Completing
the Circuit
SAMPLE ANSWER
Bulb lights up Bulb does not light up
What can electric Electric circuits play a crucial role
in our daily lives.
circuits do?
It allows specific It allows It helps trains It enables the
devices to light bulbs move and makes cooling system
produce heat to light up. travelling to work of a refrigerator
and sound. or school easier. to work.
Review
What is an electric circuit?
Some of its components A complete circuit
It is a complete path
include wires, a bulb features an unbroken
through which electric
and a power source loop where charges
current flows.
(cell or battery). can flow.
SERIES VS. PARALLEL CIRCUITS
Electrical Circuits & Their Diagrams
WHAT IS A SERIES CIRCUIT?
In a series circuit, all components Characteristics of series circuits
are connected end-to-end in a include:
single path.
The same current flows through
each component.
If one component fails, the entire
circuit stops working.
A circuit switch will control the
flow of electricity through all
components.
REAL WORLD EXAMPLE: A SERIES CIRCUIT
A Coffee Maker
A coffee maker operates using a
series circuit, linking the power
switch, heating element, and
indicator light in a single
pathway.
When the switch is on, the circuit
closes, allowing electricity to flow.
When the switch is off, the circuit
opens, stopping the flow.
WHAT IS A PARALLEL CIRCUIT?
In a parallel circuit, components Characteristics of parallal circuits
are connected across common include:
points, creating multiple paths for
electricity to flow. Each branch receives the same
voltage.
If one component fails, the
other branches continue to
function.
A circuit switch will control the
flow of electricity through all
components.
REAL WORLD EXAMPLE: A PARALLEL CIRCUIT
A Car’s Headlights
In most cars, the headlights are
wired in parallel. This ensures that if
one headlight burns out, the other
will continue to function.
Each headlight operates
independently, receiving the
same voltage from the car’s
battery.
SERIES VERSES PARALLEL CIRCUITS
One path where all components Multiple paths with branches
are in a line that can work independently
a series circuit a parallel circuit
Practical Time !!
Making the LED GLOW !!
