What is electricity?

Hello We all use electricity - but what exactly is it?

Electric charge

If you rub a balloon on your hair, then move the balloon away slightly you will find that your hair stands on end - it is attracted to the balloon.

Girl with static electricity hair

This is caused by electric charges building up on the balloon. These electric charges came from your hair so your hair now has less of them. The balloon has an overall negative charge while your hair has an overall positive charge. Opposite charges attract one another and so, your hair is attracted to the balloon. It stands on end!

These electrical charges don't move anywhere because neither your hair or the balloon conduct electricity very well. They just stay put. When electric charge builds up in one place like this and doesn't move, it's called static electricityWhat we commonly call 'static electricity' is a build up of electric charge that can't go anywhere, as it is not connected to an electric circuit or some other means where it can flow to form an electric current..

Electric current

When electric charge moves from one place to another, it's called electric currentElectric current is a flow of electric charges (electrons).. We often just call this 'electricity'. Electric currents are a way in which energy can move from one place to another. A bolt of lightning is an example of a really big electric current. Much smaller electric currents flow through the wires in circuits powered by batteriesA battery is two or more electric cells joined together that can produce an electric current when connected to an electric circuit..

Find out more about electricity.

Did you know?

What is a volt? And why is it called a volt? The volt measures electromotive force. It was named after the Italian inventor Alessandro Volta (1745-1827)
In the 1780s, Alessandro Volta invented the first battery - all because of Luigi Galvani's experiments with dead frogs.
At Deptford in 1891, electrical engineer Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti (1864-1930) designed and built the first power station and supply network. His basic system is still used around the world.
Save energy - Finished playing on your games console or other equipment? Remember to switch off!
In 1771 Luigi Galvani used electricity to make a dead frog's leg jump!
Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was the first person to create a way of generating a constant current of electricity. His invention led to the power stations we know today.
In 1831 Michael Faraday demonstrated electromagnetic force at the the Royal Institution in London, a famous centre for scientific education and research.
In 1800 Alessandro Volta built the world's first battery from discs of copper and zinc sandwiched between cardboard moistened with a salty water.
Save energy - Don't forget to switch your TV and computer off when you have finished using them.
Fossil fuels won't go on for ever - gas could run out in 40 years.
The ampere is named after André-Marie Ampère (1775-1836). He discovered many of the mathematical principles of electromagnetism.
Fossil fuels won't go on for ever - coal could run out in 250 years.
Save energy - Make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are full before you turn them on and use the lower temperature settings.
Save energy - Boil just enough water for the number of hot drinks you want to make - that way you won't waste energy.
Michael Faraday (1791-1867) is one of the most famous people involved in the discovery and harnessing of electromagnetic force.
What is a watt? Why is it called a watt? It's a unit measuring electric power, named after James Watt (1736-1819).
In 15 minutes, the sun radiates as much energy onto Earth as all the people on the planet during an entire year. Just imagine if we could channel the sun's energy effectively!
The Italian inventor Alessandro Volta (1745-1827) is best known for his work on electric current.
An electric eel can produce powerful electric shocks: up to 500 volts and one ampere of current (in other words, 500 watts).
All electrical appliances are rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) ( One kilowatt is the same as 1,000 watts). You can use the ratings to compare how much electricity they use.
The first turbine engines were designed by Charles Parson (1854-1931). Today turbine engines used to generate electricity are still based on his designs.
Save energy - Use energy efficient light bulbs and, when you are leaving a room empty, remember to turn the lights off.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) developed the first lightning conductor after flying a kite in a thunderstorm. A spectacular but very dangerous experiment!
Fossil fuels won't go on for ever - oil could run out in 30 years.
Today we still use words that Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) introduced: battery, conductor, positive and negative charge, electric shock and electrician.
Electric shock victims often can't let go of the thing that is passing the electric current into their body. That's because the electricity makes their muscles contract.
Thomas Alva Edison 1847-1931 is one of the most successful inventors ever, applying for over 1,300 patents by 1910, mainly to do with electrical or mechanical development.
Modern power stations and steam turbines use the same engineering principles that James Watt (1736-1819) applied when he invented the steam engine.
Electricity used at home is metered in 'units' or kilowatt hours (kWh). Each unit is the same as 1,000 watts of electricity used for 1 hour. 1 unit = 1kWh.
In August 1887 the London Electric Supply Corporation commissioned Ferranti to build the first power station. Today our electricity supply is still based on the system that Ferranti designed.
High voltage electricity is carried across the country by pylons and 'stepped down' for domestic use at substations. The National Grid supplies electricity all over the country.

What is electricity?

Electric charge

Electric current

Danger

Did you know?