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Electrical Current

Electrical Current. I. What is Electrical Current?. Definition The rate at which charges pass a given point Units of measurement Amperes Shortened to Amps 2 Types of Current DC AKA: direct current Electrons always flow in the same direction.

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Electrical Current

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  1. Electrical Current

  2. I. What is Electrical Current? • Definition • The rate at which charges pass a given point • Units of measurement • Amperes • Shortened to Amps • 2 Types of Current • DC • AKA: direct current • Electrons always flow in the same direction. • Batteries in a camera or a flashlight use DC • AC • AKA: alternating current • The electrons can move in either direction • Electrical outlets in your home use this.

  3. II. Voltage • Definition • The measure of how much work is needed to move a charge between 2 points. • Units of measurement • Volts (V) • Relationship between voltage and current • As long as there is voltage between 2 points on a wire, charges will flow in the wire. • The greater the voltage: • The greater the current. • Different batteries have different voltages • Car batteries need a bigger current to start the car so they have a higher voltage.

  4. Pictures of Different Batteries 9 Volts 1.5 Volts 6 Volts

  5. III. Resistance • Definition • The opposition to the flow of electric charge • Like “electrical friction” • Units of Measurement • Ohm’s • Represented by the Greek letter omega ( ) • Variables which affect resistance • Material • Good conductors have a: • Low resistance • Like Copper • Insulators have a: • High resistance • Temperature • As you increase a metals temperature • You increase resistance • Superconductors • Metals at very low temperature who’s resistance is virtually 0

  6. IV. Electrical “Cells” • Definition: • These change chemical or radiant energy into electrical energy • Parts • Electrolytes • Mixture of chemicals which allow charges to flow • Electrodes • Made of conductors • Points at which charges enter and leave the cell. • 2 Types • Dry Cell • Electrolytes are solid or paste • Normal batteries • Wet Cell • Electrolytes are liquid • Car batteries

  7. V. Electrical Calculations • Ohm’s Law • Relates current, voltage, and resistance • Voltage = Current X Resistance • V = I X R • Electrical Power • Power = Voltage X Current • P = V X I • Measured in Watts

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