Electricity
⭐ MasteredElectricity is the flow of tiny charged particles through a circuit. A circuit must be a complete loop for a bulb to light.
Lightning is a giant spark of static electricity.
All about Electricity
Electricity is the movement of tiny charged particles called electrons through a material. We call this flow an electric current. It travels through wires that act like pathways for the electrons.
If the loop is broken, the electrons stop moving and the device switches off. Materials like metal let electricity pass through easily, while rubber and plastic do not.
A battery acts like a pump that pushes these electrons along a path.
This is why electric wires have a metal core covered by plastic.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows electricity flowing around a circuit. Watch the moving dots travel from the battery, through the wires and into the bulb. When you put a material in the gap, check whether the path is complete. A bulb lights only when the loop is unbroken.
Real-life uses of Electricity
- Lighting rooms and streets
- Charging phones, tablets and electric toothbrushes
- Powering fans, fridges and heaters at home
Frequently asked questions about Electricity
What is an electric circuit?
A closed loop of wires and parts, such as a battery and a bulb, that lets electricity flow around and make something work.
Why is electricity dangerous?
It can cause serious burns or shocks. Never touch wires, plugs or sockets with wet hands, and always ask an adult for help.
What are conductors and insulators?
Conductors, like copper and metal, let electricity flow. Insulators, like rubber and plastic, stop it from flowing.