Introduction to Electricity© Lisa Hawkins
Dec 1, 2000
Introduction To Electricity
Electricity begins with the atom. To learn more about the
atom, you might want to review the Chemistry information posted in
previous articles.
Lets take a look at the atom. The atom has 3 major parts. The proton, neutron and
electron. The proton and neutron are in the center of the atom, and the electron races around the
outer layers of the atom. The proton has a postive charge, which is often symbolized by the "+" sign.
The neutron has no charge at all and is in the center of the atom with the proton. As stated before, the electron
races in circles, around the proton and neutron. The electron carries a negative charge, and is symbolized by the
"-" sign. Each of the three parts of the atom, the proton, neutron, and electron, are individually called subatomic
particles. Electricity is energy formed by the flow of one of the subatomic particles, the electron.
A conductor, is something that allows the flow of electricity. An example of this would be metal.
A non-conductor, does not allow the flow of electricity. An example of this would be rubber. A conductor allows electricity
to pass through it by means of free electrons. A free electron, is an electron that orbits outside the other electrons. This electron can be
separated from it's atom. Picture it this way: The atom is a group of kids on a field trip. The proton and neutron are the adults trying
to all the kids, the electrons, together. Then there is that one kid.....the free electron....that wants to buzz around on his own....this kid is gonna get lost.
This kid is going to get separated from the group. These free electrons can go from one atom to another. Some materials, like metals, have atoms arranged very
close together, and the free electrons flow easily around the atoms.An electrical circuit allows
a path for the electrons to follow. An open circuit is broken, and there is an open space that will not allow for the electron to
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