Skip to content
Know.itKnow.it
Create an animated lesson
On request

This article is free to read. Creating a lesson uses your daily or stored credits; review the language and settings before starting.

What is electricity?

ScienceLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

Electricity is energy carried by the movement of electric charge, usually electrons flowing through a material. It powers nearly all modern technology — from light bulbs to phones — by pushing charged particles through circuits to do useful work. Electric current is the flow of charge (usually electrons) through a conductor like copper wire.

Key things to understand

  1. Electric current is the flow of charge (usually electrons) through a conductor like copper wire.
  2. Voltage is the 'push' that drives the current; resistance is what slows it down (Ohm's law: V = I × R).
  3. Electricity can be static (built-up charge that stays put) or current (charge that flows).
  4. It's generated by converting other energy — spinning turbines from steam, wind, or water, or sunlight in solar panels.
  5. Current needs a complete loop, called a circuit, to flow.

People also ask

What is electric current?
It's the flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (amps). In wires, it's mostly electrons moving.
What's the difference between AC and DC?
Direct current (DC) flows one way, like from a battery; alternating current (AC) reverses direction many times a second and is what comes from wall sockets.
How is electricity made?
Most comes from spinning a generator — turbines turned by steam, falling water, or wind — or directly from sunlight using solar panels.

Part of the guide: Energy & Electricity at Home →