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How does electricity work?
Quick answer
Electricity works through the flow of electric charge — usually electrons moving through a conductor like a wire. A voltage 'pushes' the charge, current is the rate of flow, and that moving charge delivers energy to power devices. Voltage is the 'push' (potential difference) that drives charge.
Step by step
- Voltage is the 'push' (potential difference) that drives charge.
- Current is the rate of charge flow, measured in amperes.
- Resistance opposes the flow; Ohm's law links the three (V = I × R).
- A complete circuit (a continuous loop) is needed for current to flow.
People also ask
What is the difference between voltage and current?
Voltage is the push that drives charge; current is the amount of charge actually flowing per second.
Why do you need a complete circuit?
Charge only flows in a continuous loop; break the loop and the current stops.
What is Ohm's law?
V = I × R: voltage equals current times resistance — the basic relationship in a circuit.
Part of the guide: Everyday Science: Light, Heat & Matter →