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

3043 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

a bat emits sound waves with a range of wavelengths. Some of the sound waves will be diffracted by the insect. Complete the following sentences to explain why. [2 marks] Diffraction is caused by the sound waves _______________________________________


A car driver has to make an emergency stop. The braking distance depends on the speed of the car. For the same braking force, what happens to the braking distance if the speed doubles?


What does the half life of radioactive substance mean?


What is the difference between speed and velocity?


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