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Basic Electricity
Conductor Atom
Insulator atom
Single electron in outer orbit
120 V Sine Wave Diagram
Current flows in both directions. 120 VAC household power is an example of AC current. The current in 120 VAC changes direction 120 times per second as shown below.
Direct and Alternating Current
At 0 degrees the voltage is at 0 volts and starts to rise to a peak voltage of 170 volts at 90 degrees. At 90 degrees the voltage goes back down to 0 volts at 180 degrees. The current then reverses direction and rises to a peak voltage of -
For detailed information about electrical circuits see All About Circuits
Conductor and Insulator Properties
- The nucleus (center) of an atom contains protons and neutrons. Electrons orbit around the nucleus.
- The atoms of conductive material have single (or few) electrons in the outer orbit called Valence Electrons. They are situated so they can be moved from one atom to another easily and enhance the movement of electrons. Copper is a good conductor and is used for most wires.
- An insulator has many (7-
8) electrons in the outer orbit, these electrons are very difficult to move from one atom to the other and resist the movement of electrons.
An electrical current (the movement of electrons) happens when there is a potential difference (voltage) between the ends of a conductor.
Multiple electrons in outer orbit
Current flows in one direction. A battery operated flashlight is a very common example of direct current.
Alternating current (AC)
Direct current (DC)