Electricity

Electricity is a form of energy from the existence of

charged particles such as electrons or protons
either statically as an accumulation of charge or
dynamically as a current. It can be easily changed
into other forms using electric appliances. For
example electric devices like radio, computer
heater, television, fan, bulb, etc. convert electricity
into different forms of electricity. It is also used in
factories and industries to run different machines.

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Sources of electricity

The devices which are used to produce electricity

are called sources of electricity. Major sources of
electricity are as follows:

1. Cell
2. Photo cell
3. Dynamos and generator

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 1.Cell

Cells are the devices which convert chemical

energy into electrical energy. There are many
types of cells. However, they are broadly classified
into two types. They are:

1. Primary cell
2. Secondary cell

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a. Primary cell

Those cells which cannot be recharged and

bought into use again are called primary cells. This
is due to the irreversible chemical reactions
involved. They are used in torch light, radio,
camera, etc. Basically, simple cells and dry cells
are two main examples of primary cells. Primary
cells are light in weight and have low life.

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i. Simple cell

The simple cell was invented by an Italian scientist

Volta in year 1800 AD. A simple cell consists of
two plates: a copper and a zinc plate dipped in
dilute sulphuric acid contained in a beaker. The
copper plate and the zinc plate are called
electrodes and dilute sulphuric acid is known as an
electrolyte. When these two plates are connected
by a conducted by a conducting copper wire to a
torchlight bulb, electricity passes to the bulb and
the bulb glows. As it is very simple in structure, it is
called a simple cell.

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ii. Dry cell

In a dry cell, some chemicals which produce

electricity are made into a paste so that they
cannot spill from the container. This type is called
dry cell. It consists of a fine cloth-bag filled with a
mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder.
A carbon is also placed at its middle. A paste of
ammonium chloride is filled between the muslin
bag and the zinc vessel. At the bottom, a card
board is placed above the zinc vessel. The open
end of the zinc vessel is sealed with wax-like
substance. The curved surface of the cell is
wrapped by a metal.

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b. Secondary cells

The cell which can be bought into use again and

again by recharging are called secondary cells.
This is because the reversible chemical reactions
are involved in the discharging process in these
cells. They should be charged before they are
used. They are also called storage cells and used
in vehicles. They are heavy in weight also.

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2. Photo cell

A photo cell is the device which directly converts

solar energy into electrical energy. They are also
known as solar cells as they work on the basis of
incident light energy of the sun. A photo cell is
used in solar calculators and other pieces of solar
equipment. When sunlight fails on a large number
of photo cells, electricity is produced in it. The
electrical energy is stored in the form of chemical
energy in battery. A group of photo cells is called a
solar panel. Solar panels are used for lighting,
heating and other purposes.

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3. Dynamo

Dynamo is a device that converts mechanical

energy into electrical energy. By using a dynamo,
small amount of electricity can be generated. It is
also called very simple type of generator. It is fitted
along with the wheel of bicycle into generate
electricity. This is called bicycle dynamo. When the
wheel of bicycle is rotated, the dynamo produces
electricity. Using this electricity, we can glow the
bulb fitted in the bicycle.

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4. Generator

A generator is a big dynamo which produces a

large amount of electricity. In a hydroelectric power
station, generators of big capacity are used. When
water stored in a dam is forced on the turbine
connected to a generator, the generator moves. It
changes the kinetic energy of the water into
electrical energy. Electricity is used for different
purposes. We have many rivers in our country.
They make our country rich in hydroelectricity.

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Electric Circuit

The conducting path of electricity made by

connecting a source of electricity appliance, a
switch and conducting wires properly is called an
electric circuit. The things which are used to make
an electric circuit are described below:
a. Cells or battery: A group of cells is called
battery. It works as the source of electricity.
b. Conducting wire: It is a conducting path through
which electric current flows.
c. Bulb: It is a device that converts electrical
energy into light energy. It is also called load or
resistor.
d. Switch: It is a tool simply a small gap in the
conducting path which is used to open or close a
circuit.

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Types of electric circuit

1. Open circuit: A circuit which is not complete

and electric current cannot flow is called an open
circuit. When the switch is turned off, the electric
current cannot flow in the electric circuit and the
bulb does not glow. Thus, this circuit is an open
circuit.

2. Closed circuit: The circuit which is complete

and through which electric current flows and the
bulb glows is called a closed circuit. When the
switch is turned on, the circuit becomes complete
and electric current flows through it.

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