| Understanding Electricity: Briefly |
And Just What Is
Electricity?
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Atoms are composed of protons,
neutrons, and electrons. The forces of attraction between the electrons
and the protons hold an atom together. Electrons have a negative and
protons have a positive electrostatic charge. Like charges repel, unlike
charges attract, just like with magnets. The valence shell is the outer
shell of the atom. Some materials have a free electron in the valence
shell and this electron can easily move from atom to atom. It is the free
electrons that are responsible for electrical current. Materials that have free electrons
and allow electrical current to flow easily are called conductors. Common
conductors are copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. Materials that have free electrons
but do not share them easily are called insulators. Common insulators are
glass, air, rubber, plastic, and wood. Electricity is a term used to
describe the energy produced (usually to perform work) when electrons are
caused to flow directionally (not randomly) from atom to atom. The
movement between atoms is called electric current. Current is measured in units
called amperes or amps. Amperage is a term used to describe the number of
electrons moving past a fixed point in a conductor in one second. EMF is electromotive force. It
causes the electrons to move in a particular direction. Without
electromotive force the free electrons of atoms would move in random
directions. EMF is measured in volts. Wires and various components
connected together form a circuit. When all the components are in line
with each other and the wires, a series circuit is formed. When
some of the components are connected parallel with each other, they form a
parallel circuit. A load is any device in a circuit
that is using the energy that the electron current is delivering to it,
i.e., our homes and businesses. The unsightly wires you see crisscrossing
our countryside are carrying alternating current from the power plants to
the loads. Understanding
Electricity
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