Can you please explain the basics of electricity? I can do the maths but I don't understand what 'voltage', 'current' or 'resistance' actually is!

The fundamental unit of electricity is 'charge'. Each electron is slightly negatively charged and it is this movement of charge around a circuit which powers our appliances. The speed of the electrons/the number of electrons which are flowing per second is known as the 'current'.To get these electrons moving, we need to apply a "pushing force". This is done by supplying a 'potential difference' a.k.a. a 'voltage'. If we increase the voltage, each electron has more energy; this means our circuit can run more power-hungry components. Equally, the greater the "pushing force" (voltage), the faster the flow (current).Each component within a circuit will have a certain amount of 'resistance'. This is like a "blocking force" and reduces the flow of electrons (current).

AM
Answered by Alex M. Physics tutor

3063 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?


How does the red shift support the Big Bang theory?


A 6.0W bulb is connected to a source of 480J of energy. Assuming the system is 100% efficient, and the bulb runs at full power, how long can it stay lit?


If Jessica weighs 45kg and sits on a seesaw at a distance of 2m from the centre of the seesaw.Micheal weighs 90kg. At what point on the opposite side should Micheal sit in order to balance the seesaw.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences