Electricity by Joaquin

Protons, Electrons

Protons are positively charged and lie inside the nucleus with the neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged and they fly around outside of the nucleus. The number of protons and electrons there are decide the charge of the atom. If there are more electrons than protons then the atom is negative. If there are more protons then the atom will be positive. Suppose that there are five neutrons and five electrons then the atom will have neither a positive or negative charge, it will be a neutral atom because of the balanced protons and electrons.

Negative

Positive

Neutral 

Conductors and Insulators

●     Conductors are materials that easily transfer or move electrons

Conductors include: copper wire, metals, waters.

●     Insulators are materials that stop or slow down the flow of electrons

Insulators include: rubber, wood, wool, plastic, glass.

Current and batteries

Current- The net flow of electrons (amps)

Voltage difference- Flow of electrons from high to low (volts)

Dry cell batteries: Dry cell batteries have 2 electrodes on either end and then a paste full of electrolytes.

Wet cell batteries: They have plates that are usually metal and a chemical solution inside of them.

Lead-acid: Lead plates are dipped into an acid solution that provides energy.

Circuits

There are two different types of circuits, a series and a parallel. A series circuit has one pathway so if one device goes out then all the other ones go out as well. Parallel circuits have more than one pathway so if a device goes out the other devices stay on. Parallel circuits are used more for homes because of the multiple pathways. Series are not used as frequently.

Questions

●     What are conductors and Insulators?

●     How does the number of electrons affect the charge of an atom?

●     Why are parallel circuits more reliable than series circuits?