Electricity is a fundamental form of energy vital to modern life. It involves the movement of electric charges, typically electrons, through conductors such as copper wires. This flow of electric charge constitutes an electric current, which powers countless devices and systems.
It is the flow of charge through a conductor. The electric current I is referred to as the charge Q passing through a point in a circuit per unit time.
I = Qt. Ampere is the SI Unit of current(A).Current is a scalar quantity.
Electricity is categorized into:
Static Electricity: Concerns stationary charges.
Current Electricity: Involves moving charges.
Electric charge is a property of matter responsible for electric and magnetic effects. Coulomb is the practical SI Unit of Electric Charge, and it is also a scalar quantity.
Properties of Electric Charge
A circuit is a closed loop that permits the flow of electric current. It typically includes components such as resistors, capacitors, and power sources.
Electric Potential (V): The work done per unit positive charge to move it from infinity to a point in an electric field: V=WQ0
Electric potential is measured in volts (V), where 1 Volt = 1 Joule/Coulomb (J/C). It is a scalar quantity and can be positive or negative.
V = WQ0
Potential Difference-The work done to move a unit charge from one point to another in a circuit: V = WQ0
One volt is the potential difference that results when one joule of work is done to move one coulomb of charge between two points.
Ohm’s Law states that the current through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across it, provided the temperature remains constant:
V I
or V = RI
or V/I = R
Where, R = Resistance of the conductor which is a constant
SI Unit of Resistance: Ohm (Ω). 1 Ohm is the resistance when 1 Volt is applied, and 1 Ampere of current flows through the conductor.
(Session 2025 - 26)