| Electricity The root word for electricity is ELECTRON!!! |
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| I. Model of an atom -- an atom is the smallest particle of an element that still behaves like that element A. Charges -- positive & negatively charged particles inside the atom normally balance out: electrons - negatively charged particles in outer layers of the atom protons - positively charged particles inside nucleus neutrons - particles with no charge, found inside nucleus |
| B. LIKE charges repel/ UNLIKE charges attract C. Static charges -- electric charges that stay in one place (Lightening is a giant discharge of static electricity. See the link for "Theater of Electricity" for details) |
| II. Circuits -- a complete PATH of flowing electrons (e-), --The FLOW of electrons along this path is callled the current. (Current is measure in AMPS) -- Here are the parts of a circuit: |
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| PARTS OF A CIRCUIT |
| -- Parts of a Circuit: A. Potential Difference -- stored energy (for example, the batteries) 1. measured in Volts (V) 2. When Volts are increased, the current will also increase. B. Resistance -- Measurement of how much Energy is turned into heat & light (An example of resistance in a circuit is the light bulb that is lit or the hair dryer that gives off heat) 1. measured in Ohms 2. When resistance is increased, the current will decrease. 3. Ohm's Law: Volts / resistance = Amps C. Conducting Wire -- material which allows e- to flow freely (usually low-resistance wire) D. Insulating Coating -- material which does NOT allow e- to flow easily |
| III. What we learned from our experiments: A. More potential difference = more current B. More bulbs = less current C. Longer wire = less current D. More resistance = less current IV. Types of Circuits: A. Series 1. only 1 path for electricity to take 2. If 1 bulb breaks, the others in the series go out too B. Parallel 1. more than 1 path for electricity to take 2. If 1 bulb breaks, the others stay lit. V. Circuit Interruptors: A. Short circuits -- A short-cut path taken by the electricity, bypassing the bulb or appliance in the circuit. (Electricity always takes the shortest, easiest path.) B. Switches -- A place in the circuit that can be connected & disconnected to switch the appliances on and off. C. Fuse -- A place in the circuit that will overheat & melt if too much power flows through |
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| PARALLEL |
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| SERIES: |
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