Electricity

What is Electricity? Electricity is a flow of charged particles. Charged particles can be electrons or ions. (If you are not sure what electrons or ions are, see GCSE Chemistry at electrons or ions). In chemistry, ions which are free to move will conduct electricity during electrolysis. In physics, we are dealing with electricity as a flow of electrons. A cell uses chemical reactions to make electricity. In the circuit below, electricity will flow from the cell (or battery), through the lamp (light bulb) and back to the cell.

There is a difference between a cell and a battery. In every-day life, we use the word "battery". In physics, one "battery" on its own is called a cell.

Two or more cells that are joined together are called a battery. The word "battery" is used to mean "collection". A collection of cells is called a battery of cells. The cells of a battery are joined together in series. The positive side of one cell touches the negative side of the next cell. See also what happens to the voltage if cells are in parallel. What happens to the current if cells are in parallel or in series.

The Resistance of Wires - Material. The resistance of a wire depends on the material from which the wire is made. Nearly all wires are made of metal, since metals are good conductors of electricity. Some metals are better conductors than others. Wires are usually made from copper or aluminium which both have a very low resistance. Wires made from iron or steel have a higher resistance. Alloys (metal mixtures) can be made which have a very high resistance. These can be useful for making variable resistors.