Understanding Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a material. It is usually carried by electrons in a conductor like a metal wire. The rate at which the charge flows is measured in amperes (A).

Why Metals Conduct Electricity

Metals conduct electricity well because they have free electrons that can move easily throughout their structure. These free electrons are not bound to any particular atom and can drift when an electric field is applied, creating a current.

How a Cell Makes a Current Flow

A cell (like a battery) provides a voltage that pushes electrons through a circuit. The chemical reactions inside the cell create a potential difference between its terminals, causing electrons to flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal when connected in a circuit.

Lighting a Lamp

When a lamp is connected to a power source (such as a battery), current flows through the filament inside the bulb. This filament is made of a material with high resistance, so it heats up and emits light when current passes through it.

Current and Energy

As electric current flows through a circuit, it transfers energy from the power source to the components in the circuit (like a lamp or a motor). The amount of energy transferred depends on the current, the voltage, and the time for which the current flows. This energy can be used to perform various tasks, such as lighting a lamp or running a motor .