Electricity

What it is:

Electricity is energy. More specifically, electricity is the flow of electrons. Everything is matter, and all matter is is atoms. The nuclei of atoms are positively charged from the protons and surrounded by negatively charged electrons. Sometimes, outside forces cause atoms to lose or gain electrons. When electrons are lost from an atom, an electric current is formed.

Current:

An electric current is the rate at which a charge flows past a circuit.

The equation for calculation current is: I=Q/T. where I=current, Q=charge passing through cross section of wire, and T=time.

Resistance:

Just as current is the rate at which a charge can flow; resistance is the hindrance to the flow of a charge. When electrons flow through wires and collide with fixed atoms. These collisions cause resistance. Resistance is directly related to the total length of the wires and the number of collisions that occur. Resistance can be expressed as: R=p(L/A), where L=wire length, A=area, and p=resistivity.

Why it is important:

Electricity is energy, and is used to power pretty much everything we own now days. From TVs, to lights, to video games; you name it, electricity powers it. But is it all necessary? Ancient people like the Hawaiians lived great lives without electricity, and maybe we could too.

The picture above is a picture of a paper shredder doing what it do. Electricity runs from a current through the wire from the outlet into the shredder, giving it energy to do work, son.