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1. Electric current and circuits

Electric current is the flow of electric charges (electrons) in an electric circuit.

Electricity occurs from the movement of electric charge.

Flow of charges and current

Electricity is mainly generated from power stations. We use electricity to light our homes,

roads, markets, and factories to make our work easier after sunset. It also helps to lift
water from wells to the tank at the rooftop with the help of pumps.
Power station

A simple electric circuit:

An electric circuit is the continuous closed path along which current flows from
the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the battery.

An electric circuit

Construction of a circuit: An electric circuit consists of a cell or a battery, connecting

wires, a bulb, and a switch.

Electric cell:

An 'electric cell' is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy,
thus producing a small amount of electricity. A cell is a single unit.

Example:
Alarm clocks, wristwatches, transistor radios, and cameras.

Construction of a cell:
The cell consists of two terminals; a small metal cap on one side with a positive (+)
sign and a metal disc on the other side with a negative (– ) sign. The positive and the
negative terminal are connected for the current to flow.

A cell

Battery:

A battery is a collection of two or more cells. It is the main source of electric

current.

Example:
Torches, transistors, toys, and remote controls.

A battery can be made by connecting the positive terminal of a cell to the negative

terminal of another cell. It is not necessary to place the electric cells one after another. It
can be placed next to each other.
A battery

Symbol for cell and battery:

The positive terminal is represented by a longer line, and the negative terminal is
represented by a shorter line.

Schematic representation of cell and battery

Cell holder:
The cells connected together by a thick wire or a metal strip is used inside the battery
compartment. The positive terminal of a cell is connected to the negative terminal of
another cell with the help of metal strips. (+) and (– ) signs are given at the ends of the
battery for convenience (to place the cells).

A cell holder

Construction of a cell holder:

We can make our own cell holder even though it is available in markets. A cell holder can
be constructed using a wooden block, two iron strips and a rubber band which helps to
hold the strips tightly. The cells are placed in such a way that the positive terminal of a cell
is connected to the negative terminal of another cell. A piece of wire is connected to the
metal strips on the cell holder.

Switch:

An electric switch or a key is connected to the circuit to stop or allow the flow of

current.
A switch

If a key is in open condition (switched off state), then the current will not flow across
the circuit; thus, it is an open circuit. The bulb does not glow in this type.

If the key is in closed (switched on) condition, then current will flow, making it a
closed circuit. The bulb glows in this type.

The symbol for the switch is shown below:

Schematic representation of a switch

Wire:
The connecting wires are used for carrying current across the circuit, and a bulb (or a
lamp).

Connecting wires

The symbol for the wire is a single straight line.

Schematic representation of a wire

Bulb or lamp:
The two terminals of the electric cell connected to the bulb can form a simple electric
circuit. This provides a complete path for current to flow between the two terminals of the
electric cell.

A bulb

The symbol for the bulb is given below.

Schematic representation of a bulb

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