You are here
Electric Current
- Electricity is a form of energy
- It flows through a conductor
- This flow is called electric current
- It runs many home appliances
- "Electricity" and "current" mean the same here
Example 1 — Wire as a conductor
- a metal wire carries charge
- charge flows through it
- this is electric current
Example 2 — Everyday appliances
- bulbs, fans and fridges run on current
- so do TVs and water pumps
- current makes our work easier
Important Points
- Electric current makes appliances work and makes daily life easier.
- The flow happens through a conductor such as a metal wire.
- In everyday use, "electricity" and "electric current" mean the same thing.
Definition — Electric Current
Electric current means the flow of electricity through a conductor such as a metal wire.
Three Effects of Electric Current
- An electric current can produce effects
- It can produce a heating effect
- It can produce a magnetic effect
- It can produce a chemical effect
- We study the magnetic and heating effects
Example 1 — Heating effect
- current passes through nichrome wire
- the wire becomes hot
- this is the heating effect
Example 2 — Magnetic effect
- current passes through a wire
- the wire behaves like a magnet
- this is the magnetic effect
Important Points
- The three effects are heating, magnetic and chemical.
- The chemical effect is studied in higher classes.
- This chapter covers only the magnetic and heating effects.
Definition — Effects of Current
The effects of current means the heating, magnetic and chemical changes that an electric current can produce.
