Basics of Electricity
Basic Electricity
Electricity is motion of electrons in certain materials. When electrons (containing “– “charge) start moving towards protons (containing “+ “charge) this motion causes flow of numerous electrons. This flow is called electricity.
Basically the force that forces electrons to flow is measured in “Volts” whereas the quantity of electrons flown in certain time is measured in “Ampere’s”
Formation Of Electricity
There are two types of electricity according to its form
1. AC (Alternating Current)
2. DC (Direct Current)
1. AC (Alternating Current)
Alternating current is the type of current in which both current flow lines bear both type of charge “+” and “ – “
In AC both lines contain “+” charge for a certain time and “– “afterwards so it forms a wave in which the upper level from “0 level” is “+” and lower level from “0 level” is “– “. See figure 1.0
Sources of AC:
Commonly AC is supplied in Mains supply used in common home electrical appliances. AC is produced by “Dynamo’s”, “Turbines” and “Generators” normally being supplied to homes, industrials, supermarket is measured 220 Volts and its Frequency (cycling speed of “+” and “– “charge) would be 60 Hz (hertz frequency measurement in units). And in some countries it would be 110 Volts and 50 Hz.
2. DC (Direct Current)
Direct Current is derived from its shape. The characteristic of DC are:
1. DC is not in wave form rather it is straight
2. DC contains “+” charge on one line and “ – “ charge on another line( See Figure 2.0
Sources:
Normally sources of Direct Current are batteries, Cells, Solar Cells and DC Adapters and Chargers.
AC To DC Conversion
“AC” can be changed into DC as well as DC into AC. While converting AC into DC we need a few components called diode commonly known as Rectifier Diodes. The complete function of Diodes is discussed in “ Parts Detail and Function Lesson”, but here I want show the simple process in which “AC” is converted into “DC”. First of all we should know the main differences between AC and DC.
1. “AC” contains “+” and “– “change in wave form whereas “DC” contains “+” and “– “charge in straight shape.
2. “AC” contains both “+” and “ – “ charge on both lines whereas “DC” contains “+” charge on one line and “ – “ charge on another line.
So it is easy to convert “AC into “DC” by straightening charge shape and by making it separate.
Note: this circuit with some modifications is used in mobile phone chargers.
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