Electricity

Electricity is used to power lightbulbs, TV sets, computers, and many other household appliances. Electricity is easily changed into other forms of energy, such as heat and light. Electricity flows along wires, which makes it easy to conduct.

Electricity is caused by charged particles. All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made up of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Protons are positively charged and are drawn to electrons. Electrons have a negative charge. That is the charge opposite to that of protons. Neutrons have no charge. Protons and neutrons sit in the center of atoms in the nucleus. Electrons whiz around the nucleus. Electrons can move from one atom to another. When electrons move between atoms a current of electricity is created.

A flow chart is a group of pictures showing how something works. In this flow chart, we see a very simple electric circuit. On the left is a battery. Its energy lights the lightbulb.View Larger Image

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