Electric Current and its Effects Class 7 Science Notes - Chapter 14
Introduction to Electric Current and Its Effects
Introduction to charge
Electric charge is described as the basic physical properties of matter, which
allows it to experience a special kind of force when kept under the influence of
electromagnetic field.
There are two types of charges → positive and negative.
Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other
The SI unit for the electric charge is Coulomb and is equal to around
6.242×10 e. The value of charge of an electron is −1.602×10 C.
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Heating Effect of Electric Current
Conductors and insulators
Substances or materials that offer comparatively less opposition to electric
current through them are called as conductors. Eg: copper, iron, water, etc.
Substances, which offer larger opposition to electric current through them are
called as insulators. Eg: rubber, wood, sand, etc.
Heating effects of electric current
A current carrying wire gets hot whenever electric passes through it. This is the
heating effect of electric current.
The amount of heat produced in the wire depends on the material, thickness and
length of the conductor.
If a large amount of electric current passes through the wire, the wire may
become so hot that it may melt and break.
Heating effects of electricity are applied for many household appliances such as
electric heaters, toasters, water heaters.
They are also used in bulbs and used as safety devices(fuses).
Electric bulb and electric fuse
Coils of wire that utilise the heating effects of electric current are called as
elements. These coils can be found in an electric room heater or electric iron box
or any other electric appliances.
Two important appliances based on the heating effects of electric current, which
are widely used are the electric bulb and electric fuse.
The filament of an electric bulb becomes so hot when an electric current passes
through, that it starts glowing.
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When wires are made of a material that melts on the passage of electric current
are called as a fuse. Electrical fuses are used as a safety device that breaks a
circuit in times of overloading. They prevent the cause of fire and damage to
electrical circuits.
Magnetic Effect of Electric Current
Magnetic effects of electric current
When electric current flows through a current carrying conductor, it produces a
magnetic field around it. This can be seen with the help of a magnetic needle,
which shows deflection. The more the current, the higher the deflection.
If the direction of current in the circuit is reversed, the direction of deflection of
the magnetic needle is also reversed.
The magnetic needle experiences deflection only if there is an electric current flowing
through the wire.
Lightning and magnetism
During thunderstorms, air currents move upwards and water droplets move
downwards. This causes separation of charges between clouds and between
clouds and earth.
When the magnitude of charges increases, air (normally a bad conductor) starts
conducting and allows the flow of electricity. This is called as lightning, as this
flow of charge is accompanied by bright streaks of light and sound.
Lightning also makes naturally occurring magnets called as lodestones.
Electro Magnet
Electromagnets
An electromagnet is an artificial magnet, which produces a magnetic field around
a conductor due to the passage of electric current through it.
This magnetic field disappears when there is no current flowing through the
conductor.
There are differences between electromagnets and permanent magnets.
Difference between electromagnets and permanent magnets
Permanent magnets maintain their magnetism for long periods of time
Electromagnets have their own magnetic field as long as current is flowing
through them. Once the circuit is broken, they lose their magnetism.
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Electric Bell
Hazards of electricity
Electricity can be hazardous as it can cause a fire due to heating or loss of life.
Electric circuits must be properly insulated. If the insulation breaks and wires
come in contact with each other, they can cause a short circuit, which may give
electric shocks when touched.
Electric bell
An electric bell consists of an electromagnet. The switch we press is used to
make the circuit complete.
The working of the bell is illustrated below When the switch (K) is pressed,
current flows through the circuit
The electromagnet (E) is powered and generates a magnetic field that attracts
the iron strip towards it
The striker strikes the gong or bell (B).
When the striking arm (A) strikes the gong, the contact at (T) is broken and
current stops flowing through the circuit
This causes the electromagnet to lose its magnetic field
The connected spring arm returns the striker to its original rest position
The contact is restored and current flows through the circuit (provided the main
switch is still pressed)
The process is repeated again until the switch (K) is made open.
