electric current

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Power transmission lines (High Tension) at Ghatkesar

Electric Current – the rate of charge flow past a given point in an electric circuit, measured in Coulombs/second which is named Amperes. In most DC electric circuits, it can be assumed that the resistance to current flow is a constant so that the current in the circuit is related to voltage and resistance by Ohm’s law.

  • alternating current (AC) – an electrical current whose magnitude and direction vary cyclically. The usual waveform of an AC power circuit is a sine wave, as this results in the most efficient transmission of energy. This is the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences.
  • direct current – an electrical current whose direction remains constant.
  • electricity
  • electrical circuit – a path along which electricity can travel.
  • resistor
  • conductor
  • voltage
Pacific Power Substation

That’s engineering

  • voltage
  • resistance – the repulsion of a current within a circuit. It explains the relationship between voltage (amount of electrical pressure) and the current (flow of electricity).
  • Ohm’s Law – Resistance, discovered by Georg Simon Ohm in 1827, is the ratio between voltage and current. Ohm’s law said that the voltage between any two points in a conductor changes directly as the current between the two points, given the temperature remains the same.

Engineering ideas

  • electricity, electrical current, amperes, circuits, resistance, current, flow, voltage, resistance, conductor, sine wave, direction, modulation, amplitude

Do It
Challenges for you to work on…

  • Ohm’s Law – interactive simulation
  • Glow Sticks (video 2:16) – When all parts of the circuit are connected, electricity flows from the battery to the lights and back to the battery, making your glow stick glow!
  • Squishy Circuits (video 7:04) – making conductor dough and insulator dough. With a special recipe of food-safe, kitchen-made, pliable dough developed at the University of St. Thomas, use your hands to mold your very own simple circuits right before your eyes. * Squishy Circuits – The home of all things related to Squishy Circuits * Squishy Circuits Store – Kits of LEDs and other parts that work well with squishy circuits

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