Electric Current
Electrical current happens when all electrons move in the same direction. In a wire this would create a flow of electrons, like a flow of traffic or water. The electrons are already present in a connecting wire, but in order to make them move in the same direction they need a ’push’. Batteries and mains sockets provide the push the electrons need.
What do we need to make a circuit?
A simple circuit has:
- an energy source, like a battery
- some wires made out of a good conductor of electricity
- an electrical device, like a light bulb, buzzer or motor
Explaining circuits
The flow of electrons is often compared to the flow of water. Making circuits means that there are no ’leaks’ and the battery is the pump which sends the water around.
Another way of looking at circuits is to think of a bicycle chain. The electrons are the chain, the pedals are the battery driving the chain around.
A gap in a circuit will break the flow of electrons or electrical current.