How Does Electricity How Does Electricity Flow?Flow?

Electricity & MagnetismElectricity & Magnetism

ScienceScience

Instructor: Miss AartmanInstructor: Miss Aartman

How Does Electricity Flow?How Does Electricity Flow?

Electricity usually flows Electricity usually flows in a loop.in a loop.

This loop is called an This loop is called an electric circuit.electric circuit.

In an electric circuit, In an electric circuit, electrons flow through a electrons flow through a complete path and return complete path and return to their starting point.to their starting point.

Just as runners follow a Just as runners follow a path, electrons follow a path, electrons follow a path.path.

Building an Electric CircuitBuilding an Electric Circuit

You will need:You will need:

One batteryOne battery Electrical tapeElectrical tape Bare copper wireBare copper wire ScissorsScissors Miniature light bulbMiniature light bulb

How to Build an Electric CircuitHow to Build an Electric Circuit

Working in a group of Working in a group of three: Step onethree: Step one

Batteries have two Batteries have two

parts a positive end parts a positive end and a negative end.and a negative end.

Draw a diagram of the Draw a diagram of the battery.battery.

Building an Electric CircuitBuilding an Electric Circuit

Step two:Step two: Tape one end of one Tape one end of one

piece of covered wire to piece of covered wire to the bottom end of the the bottom end of the battery.battery.

Tape one end of the Tape one end of the other piece of wire to other piece of wire to the top end of the the top end of the battery.battery.

Building an Electric CircuitBuilding an Electric Circuit

Step threeStep three Touch the free ends of Touch the free ends of

both wires to the light both wires to the light bulb.bulb.

Touch one wire to the base Touch one wire to the base of the bulb and the other of the bulb and the other to the metal piece around to the metal piece around the side of the bulb.the side of the bulb.

What happens to the bulb?What happens to the bulb?

How Does it Work?How Does it Work?

Electrons started flowing from the bottom Electrons started flowing from the bottom of the battery through the copper wire.of the battery through the copper wire.

Then they flowed into the bulb and made Then they flowed into the bulb and made it light up!it light up!

The electrons then flowed from the bulb The electrons then flowed from the bulb through the other copper wire that is through the other copper wire that is connected to the top of the battery.connected to the top of the battery.

The electrons traveled in a loop, or The electrons traveled in a loop, or through a complete circuit.through a complete circuit.

How Does it Work?How Does it Work?

Copper wire allows electrons to flow freely.Copper wire allows electrons to flow freely. Anything that allows electrons to flow is Anything that allows electrons to flow is

called a conductor.called a conductor. Things that do not allow electrons to flow Things that do not allow electrons to flow

are called insulators.are called insulators. How can you find out whether something How can you find out whether something

is a conductor or an insulator? is a conductor or an insulator? Find out next time!!!!!!!Find out next time!!!!!!!