14

Electric Current and

Its Effects
Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge to be gained: •Electric current •Electric circuits and its components •Lighting,
heating and magnetic effects of current •Electromagnets
Skills to be developed: •Making electromagnets •Constructing a working electric bell
Attitude to be inculcated: •Electricity is a valuable resource and should be utilised judiciously.

It is hard to imagine a world without electricity.
Electricity is used to run many appliances, like
the electric bulbs, televisions, washing
machines, air conditioners, water-pumps,
trains, etc. All these appliances run on
electricity and make our day-to-day life more
comfortable and our work easier.
Electric current is the ow of electricity
through a substance (like wire) which is a
conductor of electricity. In every day life, the
words ‘electricity’ and ‘electric current’ are used
inter changeably. What happens when we press
the switch of an electric bulb ON? It starts
glowing. Electricity, from a source (like a
battery) ows through conducting material
198 Exploring Science-7
(like copper wire) and reaches the electric bulb.
e electrical bulb uses this energy (electricity)
and converts it into heat and light energy. Due
to this, the lament of the electric bulb gets
heated and it emits light.
In the above paragraph, we used a battery
(electric cell) to make the electric bulb work.
Every electric appliance needs an electric
source to work.
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
An arrangement of electric components where
an electric current ows from a source of
electricity (battery), through a conductor (like
wire) to make an electric appliance work is
called an electric circuit.

Dry Cell
Fig.1 Electric circuit showing ow of electric current
A cell (or a battery) is a source of electric
current. Two opposite sides of a cell are called its
terminals. Electric current can ow between
the two terminals of the cell through
conducting materials when all components are
well connected. A continuous arrangement
where an electric current ows through
different conductors (like wire and bulb)
between the terminals of a source of
electricity (like the terminals of a battery) is
called an electric circuit.
An electric circuit generally consists of the
following components:
u A source of electric current (cell or battery)
u A conducting wire (say copper wire)
u An electrical appliance (like a bulb)
u A switch/key
An electric circuit provides a complete path for
electric current to ow continuously between
the two terminals (positive and negative) of a
source of energy (electric cell or battery)
through some electrical devices lying in the
same path.
Usually in practice, a switch is provided in the
path of an electric circuit that can be opened or
closed to either cut off or allow the current to ow.
Electric Current and Its Effects
Source–Single dry cell Load–Light bulb
(chemical energy) (energy conversion to heat/light)
Conductors–wires
Control–On/Off switch
Fig.2 A simple electric circuit
When the switch is ‘ON’ (closed), the circuit is
complete and the electric current starts owing
through the light bulb and it glows.
In this process, actually, the electrical energy
stored in the dry cell is transformed into the light
energy.
If you disconnect one of the wires, the electric
circuit becomes broken and the bulb does not
glow. A similar function takes place when the
switch in the circuit is ‘OFF’ (open).
A circuit with an open switch is called an open
circuit. When the switch is open, electricity is
unable to ow from one terminal to another
terminal of the battery and hence no electric
current is generated.
A circuit with a closed switch is called a closed
circuit. In a closed circuit, electricity ows from
one terminal to another, and the appliances
connected in the circuit make use of it.
Components of an Electric Circuit
Battery: A cell or a battery is a source of electric
current. A cell is a device which generates
current by a chemical reaction. You must be
using cells in toys, torches and remote controls.
A cell usually consists of a metal container lled
with chemicals and a carbon rod. It has a
positive and a negative terminal.
199
When both these terminals are joined to a CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
device through wires, the cell generates A circuit diagram is a diagram which
current to make the device work. Sometimes represents all components of a circuit and
one cell is not enough to run a device like a the connections between them. In a circuit
remote control or a toy. In this case, two or diagram, different components are shown by
more cells can be joined together to form a symbols which are easy to draw. Some of
series of cells. When two or more cells are these are as follows:
joined together in an electric circuit, it is
called a battery. Components Symbols
In a series, the positive terminal of one cell is + —
joined to the negative terminal of the next cell.
is series of cells is called a battery. e longer line represents the
Cell positive terminal and the
shorter line represents the
Dry Cell negative terminal.

+ —

Battery is represents a battery of

Fig.3 Correct combination
three cells.
of cells to make a battery
Switch: A switch is used to open and close a Switch OFF ON
circuit. A switch is also called a key. When a
switch is ‘ON’, it connects the two open ends of Wire
the circuit. e current then ows through it.
When the switch is ‘OFF,’ the current does not
Electric
ow through it. We use electric switches to bulb
run all devices at home. OFF ON
Appliances: A circuit is always connected to + –
Ammeter A
an appliance that works with current. For
example, the lament of a bulb gets heated up + –
Voltmeter V
by the current and glows. e blades of a fan
rotate when current passes through it.
Conducting wires: Conducting wires are Knowledge Booster
used to connect different components of a Current is electricity in mo on. Electric current is
circuit. ese are generally copper wires with measured in amperes. An ampere is the amount
an insulated covering. Copper is a very good of electricity flowing through a wire in a certain
conductor of current. erefore, it is used for period of me. The scien fic symbol for ampere is
the le er ‘A’.
this purpose.
200 Exploring Science-7
e circuit diagram given below indicates a Nichrome wire
closed circuit consisting of a cell, a switch Nail Nail

and an electric bulb connected with a wire.

Electric bulb
(on)

Dry Cell
ermocol Cell
+ Copper
Cell – wire

Switch(closed)
Switch
Fig.4 Circuit diagram of a closed circuit
Fig.6 Heating effect of electric current
e electric diagram given below indicates
Observation:
an open circuit, consisting of the same
e nichrome wire becomes hot because the
components as above.
Electric bulb
electric current passing through it has
(off) produced heat in it.
+
Cell – HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC
Switch(open) CURRENT
Fig.5 Circuit diagram of an open circuit
You know that all solids are made up of tiny
particles. ese particles, called atoms, vibrate
Activity-1 at their position. When current ows through a
solid, the vibrations of atoms resist its passage.
Aim: To show that electric current produces is produces heat.
heat.
Metals like copper, silver and aluminium do not
Materials Required: Two iron nails, nichrome
resist the conduction (passage) of electricity.
wire, copper wire, cell, switch and a small piece
ey have very low-resistance. ese metals do
of thermocol.
not heat up much on passing current. However,
Procedure:
metals and alloys like tungsten and nichrome
1. Take two iron nails and x them at some
offer high-resistance; they heat up quickly.
distance on a thermocol sheet.
Many devices, such as geyser, kettle, hair dryer,
2. Take the nichrome wire and tie it between
the two nails. electric iron, oven, etc., work on this principle.
ey have laments made up of high-resistance
3. Make an electric circuit by connecting the
two nails to the two terminals of a cell by alloys. When electricity passes through such
using copper wire. ( Fig.6) appliances containing high-resistance
4. Pass the current through the circuit by conductors, a lot of heat is generated. e
turning the switch ‘ON.’ lament present in such appliances starts
5. Aer a few seconds, touch the nichrome wire. glowing and produces a lot of light and heat.

Electric Current and Its Effects 201

e heat produced in a lament due to the
heating effect of current depends on the
following factors:
1. Resistance of the lament (is depends
upon the material of the lament, and the
thickness and length of the lament.)
2. Magnitude of current passed through the
lament.
e greater the resistance of a lament, the
greater would be the heat produced in it.
e greater the magnitude of current passed
through the lament, the greater would be the
heat produced in it.
Applications of Heating Effect of Current
1. Appliances like electric bulbs use the heating
effect of current to produce light.
2. Heating appliances like electric irons,
electric toasters, electric kettles, geysers, etc.,
depend on this property of electric current.
3. Safety devices like electric fuse in electric
circuits use the heating property to melt the
wire and break the fuse in case of unusually
high magnitude of current. is protects us
from receiving electric shocks. It also
protects other components of the appliance.
A very important use of the heating effect is in
electric fuse. An electric fuse is a safety device
connected to every domestic and commercial
Fig.7 Glowing lament of an electric bulb and
the nichrome wire in a room heater
202 Exploring Science-7
circuit. It contains a wire made up of an alloy
which has a low melting point. If, due to some
reason, there is a sudden over ow of current in
the circuit, the fuse wire heats up and melts,
breaking the circuit. is prevents damage to
the appliances connected to the circuit and
prevents re due to short circuits.
ese days, household and commercial circuits
are connected with miniature circuit breakers
(MCBs). An MCB allows only a certain amount
of current to pass through the circuit. If the
current exceeds this limit, the supply is cut off.
Many electrical appliances also have a small
electric fuse in them.
MAGNETIC EFFECT OF CURRENT
It may sound astonishing to begin with, but it is
true that electric current also produces a
magnetic effect. Let us rst perform an activity
to understand this in detail.
If you put a magnetic compass close to an
electric circuit, you will see that every time the
circuit is switched ‘ON’, the compass needle
shows a de ection, and every time the circuit is
switched ‘OFF’, the needle goes back to its
normal North-South direction.
It is clear from these observations that as long as
the current passes through the copper wire,
the wire behaves like a magnet. is is known
as the magnetic effect of current. It was rst
observed by Hans Christian Oersted.
Fig.8 Miniature circuit breaker Fig.9 Electric fuse
(MCB)
 Bulb Battery Switch

Cell
South North South North
Uninsulated
copper wire W W
S N S N
Insulated E E
copper wire
Compass (de ection)

Fig.10 Movement of needle observed with change in the direction of electricity Fig.11 Hans Christian Oersted

e needle of the compass de ects because the Activity-2

magnet in the compass is either attracted or
repelled by the copper wire carrying electricity.
is is because the copper wire behaves like a
magnet when electric current passes through it.
DISCOVERY OF ELECTROMAGNETISM
e magnetism(magnetic property)
produced by the electric current passing
through a circuit is called electromagnetism.
Electromagnetism was rst discovered by Hans
Christian Oersted. He was a professor of science
at t he C op en hagen Universit y. Whi le
performing experiments with electric current,
he found that if a compass needle was brought
near a current-carrying wire, the needle
de ected. e rst conclusion he made was that
a copper coil can create a magnetic eld if
electric current is passed through it.
A straight wire carrying current acts as a weak
magnet. e two ends of the wire act as the two
poles, of the magnet.
To create a stronger magnetic force, a
cylindrical coil of wire can be used.
A cylindrical coil of wire which acts as a
magnet when current passes through it is
called a solenoid.
Electric Current and Its Effects
Aim: To construct a solenoid.
Take a copper wire and wind it around a thin
cylindrical object like a measuring cylinder or
a tube.
Take out the coil and connect it to a circuit.
is will create a solenoid. A solenoid is a
cylindrical coil of wire. When electric current
ows through it, the solenoid behaves like a
bar magnet.
Bring a compass needle close to the solenoid
and allow the current to pass through it. Note
the de ection in the needle. Repeat the
experiment with an increased amount of
current and then with a higher number of
turns in the coil of wire.
Switch off
+ –
Switch on
+ –
Fig.12 Solenoid carrying current
203
A solenoid acts just like a bar magnet with
opposite poles at the ends. Activity-3
To increase the magnetic power of a solenoid,
Aim: To make an electromagnet.
an iron rod can be inserted into it.
Take an iron rod or a clean long nail. Wind an
From the above activities, we can now
insulated copper wire around it. Connect this
conclude that the strength of solenoid can be
wire to a battery through a switch. Your
increased in the following ways:
electromagnet is ready.
1. By increasing the number of turns of the
coil.
2. By inserting a rod made up of iron or any
other magnetic material, into the solenoid.
3. By increasing the amount of current
passing through the solenoid. Pass the current through the wire and bring a
few iron pins near it. What do you observe?
ELECTROMAGNETS
A magnet made by using electric current is
called an electromagnet. When an electric
current-carrying wire is wrapped around a
piece of magnetic substance (such as so iron),
Fig.13
it behaves like a bar magnet as long as the
current ows through the wire. You will see that the iron pins stick to the nail.
Now stop the current ow and see what
An electromagnet is made by winding insulated
happens to the pins. Note your observations.
copper wire around a rod of iron or any other
Try to make your electromagnet stronger.
magnetic material. When current is passed
through the wire, the electromagnet shows its Observation: An electromagnet is a magnet
whose magnetic eld is created when
magnetic properties. However, as soon as the
electricity ows.
current supply is cut off, the magnetism is lost.

Fig.14 A solenoid Fig.15 A simple electric magnet Fig.16 Scrapyard electromagnet

204 Exploring Science-7

USES OF ELECTROMAGNETS u When the current ows through the circuit,
Electromagnets are built to produce a magnetic the electromagnet creates a magnetic eld
effect only when it is required. Some of the which attracts the so iron armature.
important uses of electromagnets are given u As the armature moves towards the
below: electromagnet, the hammer hits the gong
u Electromagnets are used to separate and sound is produced. e circuit breaks,
magnetic materials, like iron and steel when the hammer hits the gong.
objects, from a heap of junk metal scrap. u e current stops owing and the magnetic
u Electromagnets are used in motors that eld of the electromagnet is lost. So the
drive fans, mixers, washing machines, etc. armature moves back and connects to the
u Cranes with strong electromagnets are used circuit again.
to li heavy loads like big machines, steel u is cycle continues and causes repeated
girders and scrap iron objects for loading hitting of the hammer on the gong,
and unloading purposes. producing continuous sound.
u Electromagnets are used by doctors to
remove tiny iron particles from the eyes of a Gong Hammer
person (which may have fallen into the eyes
accidentally). ey can be used for other
Iron bar
wounds too. (armature)
u Electromagnets are also used in electric bells, Wire
Contact
telephone instruments, loudspeakers, etc. screw
WORKING OF AN ELECTRIC BELL Contact
breaks here
An electric bell contains a circuit with a switch, Electromagnet
battery, an electromagnet, a so iron armature Flat
spring
connected to a spring, a gong and a hammer.
It works in the following way: Bracket
u On pressing the switch on, the circuit
Battery
holding the electric bell is closed and the Push button
switch
electric current starts owing.
Fig.17 Electric bell
Checkpoint-1
Fill in the blanks
1. If the amount of current is increased in a circuit, the amount of heat produced will
______________.
2. A ______________ is a safety device, made of an alloy which has low ______________.
3. A magnet made by using electric current is called an ______________.

Electric Current and Its Effects 205

Keywords
Current : Flow of electricity.
Circuit : A path through which electric current ows.
Electric cell : A device used to generate electricity by chemical reaction.
Battery : Arrangement of two or more electric cells in an electric circuit.
Switch : A device used to open or close a circuit.
Circuit diagram : A line diagram showing how the different components are arranged in a circuit.
Fuse : A safety device that cuts off the electric current in a circuit if a sudden heavy
current starts owing in it.
Solenoid : A cylindrical coil of wire carrying current consisting of a large number of turns.
Electromagnet : A metal piece turned into a magnet by passing electric current through a coil
around it.

Points to Remember
u Electric current is the ow of electricity through a conductor.
u A dry cell is a chemical source of electricity. It produces electricity by chemical reaction.
u e battery is an arrangement of a series of two or more cells in a circuit in such a way that the
positive terminal of one cell is joined to the negative terminal of the next cell.
u An electric circuit is an arrangement of electric components which allows electric current to
ow between the two terminals of a source of electricity.
u An appliance is run by electric current by keeping it connected to a closed circuit.
u It is convenient to represent electric components by symbols. Using these electric symbols, an
electric circuit can be represented by a circuit diagram.
u e laments of the bulb are made of tungsten because this material heats up quickly and
glows when electric current passes through it.
u When electric current ows through a wire, the wire gets heated. It is the heating effect of
current. High-resistance conductors heat quickly.
u An electric fuse is a safety device with low melting point. If the electric circuit is disturbed, the
fuse melts and the ow of current is stopped.
u When electric current ows through a wire, it behaves like a magnet. is is the magnetic
effect of current.
u A magnet made by using electric current is called an electromagnet. Electromagnets are used
in many devices.

206 Exploring Science-7

 Exercise
A. Tick (3) the Correct Option
1. Which of these is not an electrical component?
(a) Switch (b) Battery
(c) Wood stick (d) Bulb
2. What is a closed path through which electric current can ow called?
(a) Electric fuse (b) Electric circuit
(c) Electromagnetism (d) Electric switch
3. A device which generates electric current by a chemical reaction is called a:
(a) battery (b) switch
(c) resistor (d) ammeter
4. An electric device used to open or close an electric circuit is called a:
(a) battery (b) switch
(c) bulb (d) conductor
5. Which material is used to make the lament of an electric bulb?
(a) Iron (b) Aluminium
(c) Copper (d) Tungsten
B. Fill in the Blanks with Suitable Words
1. Electric current ows through a ____________ of electricity.
2. e longer vertical line in the symbol for a cell represents its ____________ terminal.
3. A bulb or heater is an electric ____________.
4. e combination of two or more cells is called a ____________.
5. A copper coil can create a ____________ eld if electric current is passed through it.
C. Very-Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. What is electric current?
2. What is an electric circuit?
3. Name the following:
(a) A device used to make or break the circuit.
(b) A device which converts chemical energy to electrical energy.
(c) A safety device connected to every domestic and commercial circuit.

Electric Current and Its Effects 207

 4. Name two metals or alloys that have:
(a) low resistance (b) high resistance
5. What effect of electric current is utilised:
(a) in an electric iron (b) in an electric bell
6. Name the scientist who was the rst to observe the magnetic effect of current.
7. What is a solenoid?
8. What are electromagnets?
9. When the electric current passing through the fuse exceeds a certain limit, the electric
wire melts and breaks. True or false?
10. Write the names of any two devices run on the heat energy produced by the electricity.
11. Write the names of any two devices run on the electromagnetism produced by the
electricity.
12. Name an alloy which offers high resistance and heats up quickly.
D. Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. Differentiate between open and closed circuits. Draw a circuit diagram to indicate them.
2. Differentiate between a cell and a battery.
3. What happens when a bulb gets fused?
4. Why is an electric fuse required in electrical appliances?
5. Mention three applications of the heating effect of current in our daily life.
6. What is the effect of electric current passing through a wire on a magnetic compass? Why
does this effect take place?
7. How can the magnetic strength of a solenoid be increased?
8. Write two uses of electromagnets.
9. Give reason for the following:
(a) e magnetic needle of a compass moves when electric current is passed through a
nearby wire.
(b) CFLs or LED bulbs should be used in place of traditional electric bulbs.
E. Long-Answer-Type Questions
1. Give a brief note on three commonly used components in an electric circuit along with the
symbols used to represent them.
2. How do high-resistance conductors produce heat through electricity? Which factors affect
the amount of heat produced in the devices containing high-resistance conductors?

208 Exploring Science-7

 3. With the help of an experiment, show how we can make an electromagnet.
4. With the help of a diagram, explain the working of a simple electric bell.

HOTS
1. If you make an electric fuse of iron wire, what will happen?
2. Why do electricians wear rubber gloves on their hands while working?

Activity Zone

A. Make a diagram of the electric circuit used to light a bulb. Show a bulb, cell, switch, etc., in the
circuit. Now collect various materials required to make this circuit for real. With the help of
your teacher, try making a simple working electric circuit. Be careful while handling electric
components.

Project Work
B. You have studied what an Brass cap

electric cell is. Now, try

Pitch seal
to nd out about the
Zinc container
structure of an electric (Negative terminal)
cell. What components is
it made up of? Which Powdered carbon+ Leakproof cover
Manganese dioxide
chemicals are used to cardboard

pro duce ele c t r icity?

Ammonium
How is the electricity chloride paste
(Electrolyte)
produced? Carbon rod
(Positive terminal)

e inside of a dry cell

Science Excursion

C. Make a group of four friends and visit an electric shop. Request an electrician to show you the
various types of fuses and MCBs. Ask for a general explanation of how they work.

Electric Current and Its Effects 209

 Memory Map

ELECTRIC
Uses Electric Circuit
CURRENT
effects consists of

Lighting Heating Magnetic Battery Switch Conducting Appliances

effect effect effect wire

Electric bulb
Electromagnets Electric
bell

Electric Electric Room Geyser Electric

iron toaster heater fuse

e-Resources
Please visit the link given below or scan the QR code for more resources on
this chapter:
https://www.megamindpublication.com/s-3-science/b-3-exploring-science-7/c-40/electric-current-and-its-
effects.html

210 Exploring Science-7