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Understanding Current Electricity Basics

Current flows through a closed circuit when there is a complete conductive loop between a power source and loads. There are two types of current: direct current (DC) which flows in one direction from a battery, and alternating current (AC) which switches direction from a generator. Switches can be used to open circuits and interrupt current flow to loads such as lamps and motors. Short circuits occur when there is no load and electrons flow directly back to the power source, which can cause overheating and explosion.

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437 views14 pages

Understanding Current Electricity Basics

Current flows through a closed circuit when there is a complete conductive loop between a power source and loads. There are two types of current: direct current (DC) which flows in one direction from a battery, and alternating current (AC) which switches direction from a generator. Switches can be used to open circuits and interrupt current flow to loads such as lamps and motors. Short circuits occur when there is no load and electrons flow directly back to the power source, which can cause overheating and explosion.

Uploaded by

api-212901753
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Current Electricity

SNC1D

Current Electricity
Current electricity is the controlled flow of
electrons through a conductor.

Current Electricity
For the electrons to flow,
there needs to be a source
of potential difference
(a battery or outlet that
is connected to a generator).

Current Electricity
A battery causes electrons to flow in a single
direction.
This is called direct current (DC).

Current Electricity
A generator causes electrons to flow in
alternating directions (forward and then
back).
This is called alternating current (AC).

Current Electricity
There also needs to be
a return path for electrons
(a way back to the source).

Current Electricity
There also needs to be
a return path for electrons
(a way back to the source).
When the return path is
connected, the loop is a
closed circuit.

Current Electricity
Connections are made
by conductors.

Current Electricity
Switches can be used to open circuits
and interrupt the flow.
open

closed

Current Electricity
Opening a circuit will turn off any loads.
Loads are devices that consume energy:
lamps, motors,
etc.

Circuit Symbols
We use the following symbols when we
draw diagrams of circuits:

Circuit Diagrams
Diagrams are always drawn with straight
lines and right angles.

Current Electricity
If a circuit does not have a load, it returns
energetic electrons to the source (which can
overheat a battery and cause it to
explode).
This is a short circuit.

Current Electricity
If a circuit does not have a load, it returns
energetic electrons to the source (which can
overheat a battery and cause it to
explode).
This is a short circuit.
DO NOT DO THIS!

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