electric currents

electric currents

Let's recall last lesson.

• Static electricity is the buildup of electric charges.

• Opposite charges attract; like charges repel.

• Positively charged atoms have more protons

• negatively charged atoms have more electrons.

During a lightning...

• Electrons in the atmosphere jump down to pair with protons on the ground.

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What are we learning?

Students will learn how to differentiate between current and alternating current

Key terms: write down the key terms in your science notebook.

• Electric current: flow of electric charge through a conductor

• direct current: current in which electrons always flow in the same direction

• alternating current: current in which electrons constantly change directions at a regular rate.

What is an electric current?

The flow of electric charges through a conductor.

Open Ended

What is the difference between static electricity and electric current?

The difference between static electricity and electric currents.

Electric charges that build up on static electricity do not flow. Instead the charges jump between two objects.

electric currents is a flow of electrons like a stream of water through a conductor like copper or metal.

What is a direct current?

• An electric current in which charges flow in one directly only.

• The current produces by electrochemical cells is direct current. The chemical energy is being changed into electrical energy.

• When the switch is on the electric current produced by the dry cells keeps the light bulb on

Open Ended

What is a direct current?

Alternating current:

• type of current that does not flow in one direction only.

• constantly changes direction at a regular rate.

• can be transported more easily over long distance

Open Ended

you have 15 minutes to answer this question on this slide. Describe the difference in the flow of DC and AC currents from the video clip

alternating current

alternating current can be changed to direct current. In the home, many electronic devices such as computers, televisions, sets, and CD players use direct current. Converters built into these devices converts alternating currents to direct currents.

Open Ended

What is alternating current? (15 minutes to type in your answer)

Multiple Choice

The flow of electric charges through a conductor is called

• electric current

• direct current

• alternating current

Multiple Choice

Current that reverses direction at a regular rate is called _______ current.

• electrical current

• direct current

• alternating current

Multiple Choice

Most of the electricity that is used in your home and at school comes from _____ current.

• direct current

• alternating current

Multiple Choice

The type of electric current supplied by power plants is _______ current.

• direct current

• alternating current

Open Ended

How is alternating current different than direct current?