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

3941 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the forces acting on a skydiver jumping out of a plane and explain why opening a parachute reduces the velocity


How do I work out the efficiency of a process from a Sankey diagram?


What are some key differences between sound and light waves?


Kinetic theory describes the movement of particles in three states of matter. If a cube of ice is put in a tin with a tight fitting lid and continuously heated, why does the lid explode off?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning