Unit 1 - Electricity and Electromagnetism
What is Electricity?
What is Current ?
● An electric current is the flow (movement) of electric charges.
● Electric current is measured in amperes (A). Current has the same value at any
point in a single closed loop.
● The flow of charge (C) = current (A) x time (s). examples?
● A current has the same value at every point in a single closed loop.
What are atoms?
Atoms are the building blocks of matter. They have a center point called the nucleus,
which are made of protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral charge), and are
surrounded by electrons (negative charge).
What is matter?
Matter makes up everything in the universe that has mass, and is made of atoms and
molecules.
What is a nucleus?
A nucleus is the extremely small, dense, central core of an atom, containing protons and
neutrons.
What is proton?
It is a positively charged particle that makes up the nucleus of an atom and is attracted
to electrons
What is a neutron?
It is a neutrally charged particle that makes up the nucleus of an atom and are attracted
to protons
What is an electron?
It is a negatively charged particle that surrounds a nucleus of an atom and is attracted
to protons.
What is a molecule?
A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound that
can take part in a chemical reaction.
What are charges?
● An electric charge is a property of matter, carried by particles like electrons (negative
charge) and protons (positive charge), that causes objects to experience a force when
placed in an electromagnetic field
● Like charge repel each other while opposite charges attract
● Imbalances of these charges create electric effects like static electricity
● Any object with an equal amount of negative (electrons) and positive (protons) is
considered neutrality charged
● Rubbing a balloon on your hair creates static electricity because electrons are
transferred, giving the balloon a net negative charge and your hair a net positive charge.
● When you charge a comb by rubbing it, the comb acquires an electric charge that can
then attract small pieces of paper.
What are different types of circuits?
● Series Circuit :
Components are connected end-to-end, forming a single, continuous path for current to
flow. The same current flows through each component, but the voltage is divided among
them.
● Parallel Circuit :
Components are connected across common points, creating multiple branches for the
current to flow through. The same voltage is applied to each component, but the current
divides between the branches
● Combination (Mixed) Circuit
These circuits incorporate both series and parallel connections, allowing for more
complex designs and functionalities
● Open Circuit :
The path for current is broken, preventing electrons from flowing. This can happen when
a switch is open
● Closed Circuit :
The electrical path is complete, allowing current to flow smoothly from the power source
through the components and back to the source
● AC (Alternating Current) Circuit :
Uses a power source that provides an alternating current, where the direction of electron
flow periodically reverses
● DC (Direct Current) Circuit :
Uses a power source, such as a battery, that provides a direct current, where electrons
flow in a single direction
Formula of current
V (Voltage)
I (Current) =
R ( Resistance)
What is voltage?
Voltage is a
What is resistance?
What is watt?
What is Ohm's law?
What is Coulomb's law?