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Electricity is energy harnessed from the configuration or movement of electrons – the former being static electricity, and the latter being the electricity that comes from the electrical outlet or flows through overhead power-lines.
See the fact file below for more information on the electricity or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Electricity worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
NATURE OF ELECTRICITY
- Whenever a negatively charged body is connected to a positively charged body through a conductor, the excess electrons of the negative body start flowing toward the positive body to offset the lack of electrons in that positive body.
- Simply put, electricity is a form of energy produced by the flow of electrons from one atom to another.
- The flow of electrons must have a complete circuit to travel from a source, down a wire, then to a device to use the electrical energy.
ELECTRICITY IN NATURE
- Lightning forms from a charge that develops because of tiny collations between ice particles within the cloud.
- This phenomenon happens millions of times per second. As the charge particles spread apart within the cloud, larger regions of charge develop. When this charge gets large enough, a lightning strike occurs.
- Lightning travels near the speed of light and the discharge of a lightning bolt can reach 30 million voltsβthe equivalent of 2.5 million car batteries.
- Every second between the time a lightning bolt strikes the ground and the time we hear the thunder corresponds to 300 meters. So, if we count 4 seconds, the lightning struck 1.2 kilometers away.
- Life forms that produce electricity are electric fish species, certain types of rays, eels, and catfish which have special organs that emit electrical discharges.
- They usually use electrical discharges to paralyze their prey, defend themselves, or locate objects.
- Electric eels (Electrophorus electricus) living in South American rivers produce enough electricity to power a dozen 40-watt lightbulbs.
- Among the natural sources, electricity is the most dangerous of all.
- Solar storms happen when the Sun emits huge bursts of energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
- It sends a stream of electrical charges and magnetic fields toward the Earth at a speed of about 3 million miles/hour.
- When a solar storm strikes the Earth, it often produces the Northern Lights display in the atmosphere as seen in areas near the Arctic Circle.
- Solar storms can also disrupt satellites and various forms of electronic communications.
- Another natural occurrence is static electricity. This causes clothes in the dryer to have opposite charges. The oppositely charged clothes attract each other and stick together.
GENERATING ELECTRICITY
- Generating electricity is difficult unless we understand the concept.
- Luckily, our ancestors developed ways to utilize ways to generate simple to complex electricity.
- But since we cannot utilize lightning, electric eels, and solar energy as primary sources, secondary energy sources were considered.
- Friction: The electrical phenomena was first observed by the philosopher Thales of Miletus (640-546 BC). He found that when amber bars were rubbed against tanned skin, they attracted each other, hence the concept of static electricity.
- Chemical: Electricity by chemical reaction happens when batteries consisting of electrolytes react with each other. When the electrodes are connected to the circuit to be fed, they produce an electric current.
- Light: Light is also a source of electricity. When producing solar energy, the photons of sunlight interact with the available electrons and increase their energy levels.
- As sunlight becomes more intense, the voltage generated between the two layers of photovoltaic cell increases, otherwise cloudy days cannot help generate electricity.
- Generating electricity through thermal plant works through a turbine that is powered by steam under pressure being used to move the axis of electric generators.
- Common thermal power plants and nuclear thermal power plants use the energy contained in pressurized steam.
- Magnetism: Magnetism also generates electricity. Hereβs how it works:
- A magnetic field pulls and pushes electrons in certain objects closer to them resulting to movements.
- Metals like copper have electrons that can be easily moved from their orbits.
- If the magnet is quickly moved through a coil of copper wire, the electrons will move – this then produces electricity.
- Pressure: When using pressure, the molecules of some crystals and ceramics are permanently polarized: some molecules are positively charged, while others are negatively charged.
- They produce an electric charge when the material changes dimension as a result of a charged external force.
STATIC VS. CURRENT ELECTRICITY
- Static electricity is the product of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in objects.
- According to the University of Hawaii, βWhen two objects are rubbed together to create static electricity, one object gives up electrons and becomes more positively charged while the other material collects electrons and becomes more negatively charged.β
- Simply explained, when you rub a balloon against your hair many times, you’ll find the balloon sticks to you. Static electricity works!
- In current electricity, electric charge is carried by electrons and protons within an atom. Protons have positive (+) charge, while electrons (-) have negative charge.
- Since it is an electric charge in motion, form a sudden discharge such as a lightning bolt or a spark between your finger and a ground light switch plate.
- Electric currents currently used are the more controlled form of electricity from generators, batteries, solar cells, or fuel cells.
Electricity Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the electricity across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Electricity worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the electricity which is energy harnessed from the configuration or movement of electrons – the former being static electricity, and the latter being the electricity that comes from the electrical outlet or flows through overhead power-lines.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Power Sources
- Power Distribution
- Electric Circuits
- Benjamin Franklin
- The Big Switch
- Electrivia
- Electrifying Words
- Safety First
- Call to Conserve
- Quick Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
What is electricity?
Electricity is a form of energy that results from the movement of charged particles, such as electrons.
How is electricity generated?
Electricity can be generated from a variety of sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and renewable sources such as solar and wind power.
How does electricity flow?
Electricity flows through a circuit, which is a closed loop of conductive material, such as metal wire. The flow of electricity is called an electric current.
What are some common uses of electricity?
Electricity is used to power a wide range of devices and appliances, including lights, computers, televisions, air conditioners, and refrigerators. It is also used to power industrial machinery and transportation such as electric cars.
How can electricity be dangerous?
Electricity can be dangerous if not handled properly. It can cause electrical shocks, fires, and other hazards. It is important to use caution and follow safety guidelines when working with electricity.
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Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.