Static electricity refers to the buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object without flowing. It is potential energy that does not move and is stored. Electricity that moves is called current, which is the flow of electrons measured in amperes. There are two types of currents: direct current where electrons flow in one direction and alternating current where electrons flow in both directions. There are also two types of circuits: series circuits where all components are on one path and parallel circuits with multiple branching paths. Conductors allow electric current to flow easily while insulators do not allow current to pass through. Resistance opposes current flow and produces heat, with better conductors having lower resistance. Voltage measures the energy driving current flow with higher

2. Static Electricity The build up of an electric charge on the surface of an object. The charge builds up but does not flow. Static electricity is potential energy . It does not move. It is stored .

3. Electricity that moves … Current : The flow of electrons from one place to another. Measured in amperes (amps) Kinetic energy

4. There are 2 types of currents: Direct Current (DC) – Where electrons flow in the same direction in a wire.

5. There are 2 types of currents: Alternating Current (AC) – electrons flow in different directions in a wire

6. There are 2 types of circuits: Series Circuit : the components are lined up along one path. If the circuit is broken, all components turn off.

8. There are 2 types of circuits: Parallel Circuit – there are several branching paths to the components. If the circuit is broken at any one branch, only the components on that branch will turn off .

10. Conductors vs. Insulators Conductors – material through which electric current flows easily . Insulators – materials through which electric current cannot move .

11. Examples Conductors : Metal Water Insulators : Styrofoam Rubber Plastic Paper

12. What is Resistance? The opposition to the flow of an electric current, producing heat . The greater the resistance, the less current gets through. Good conductors have low resistance. Measured in ohms.

13. What Influences Resistance? Material of wire – aluminum and copper have low resistance Thickness – the thicker the wire the lower the resistance Length – shorter wire has lower resistance Temperature – lower temperature has lower resistance

14. What is Voltage? The measure of energy given to the charge flowing in a circuit. The greater the voltage, the greater the force or “pressure” that drives the charge through the circuit.

15. Difference b/t Volts and Amps Example – you could say that… Amps measure how much water comes out of a hose. Volts measure how hard the water comes out of a hose.

16. Ohm’s Law Resistance = Voltage / Current Ohms = Volts / Amps

17. Practice with Ohm’s Law Ohms Volts Amps 4 100 25 15 150 10 2 30 15 9 45 5 6 48 8

18. What is an electromagnet? Electromagnet – a magnet made from a current bearing coil of wire wrapped around an iron or steel core.

19. What is a generator? Generator – a machine that changes mechanical energy to electrical energy Usually use moving magnets to create currents in coils of wire.

20. What is a motor? Motor – a device that changes electrical energy to mechanical energy that can do work .