Electricity: A Fundamental Force
Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles. It powers our world and is integral to modern technology, yet it was only harnessed for human use relatively recently in history.
Understanding Electric Charge
Charge is a property of matter. There are two types: positive and negative. Like charges repel, unlike attract. Electrons carry a negative charge, while protons are positive. Neutrons are neutral, adding balance to an atom's nucleus.
Voltage: Electrical Potential Energy
Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points. It's the 'push' that makes electric charges move. Measured in volts, it's analogous to water pressure in pipes, dictating the flow of electrons in a circuit.
Current: Flow of Electrons
Electric current is the rate at which charge flows. Measured in amperes (amps), direct current (DC) flows in one direction, while alternating current (AC) changes direction periodically. AC is commonly used in power systems for efficiency over long distances.
Resistors: Controlling Current
Resistors impede the flow of electrical current, measured in ohms. They're crucial for managing the current in a circuit. A material's resistance depends on its composition, length, thickness, and temperature; a fact exploited in various electronic components.
Ohm's Law: Circuit Relationship
Ohm's Law is fundamental to understanding electrical circuits. It states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. Ohm's Law is represented as I = V/R.
Complex Circuits: RLC Components
Beyond resistors, circuits can contain capacitors and inductors (the 'LC' in 'RLC'). Capacitors store charge, while inductors store energy in a magnetic field. These components create complex behaviors in AC circuits, influencing current and voltage over time.