Current

• What type of electrons are found in metals that allow them to conduct electricity?

  Delocalized electrons
• How are positive ions arranged in a metal structure?

  They are arranged in a rigid structure.
• What happens to atoms in metals to create positive ions?

  Atoms lose electrons to gain a positive charge.
• What is the role of delocalized electrons in metals?

  They are free to move around the positive ions.
• What gives metals their strong structure?

  The attraction between the positive ions and the delocalized electrons.
• What is an electric current?

  A flow of charge.
• How do delocalized electrons carry current in a wire?

  They move through the metal while the positive ions remain stationary.
• What happens when energy is supplied to delocalized electrons?

  They move in the same direction, creating a flow of negative charge.
• What is the conventional direction of current in a circuit?

  From the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
• Why is the term "conventional current" used?

  It is based on historical beliefs about positive charges carrying current.
• What is the current at every point in a single closed loop circuit?

  The current is the same at every point.
• What unit is used to measure electric current?

  Ampere (A)
• How can the size of the current be measured in a circuit?

  Using an ammeter.
• What is the circuit symbol for an ammeter?

  A circle with an "A" inside.
• Where should an ammeter be connected in a circuit?

  In series with the component being measured.
• What does connecting components in series mean?

  Components are on the same branch of a circuit.
• If you want to measure the current through a lamp, where would you place the ammeter?

  On the same branch as the lamp.
• What is the relationship between charge carriers and electric current in a circuit?

  • Charge carriers (delocalized electrons) move to create electric current.
  • Current flows from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
  • Conventional current is defined as flowing from positive to negative.
• What happens to current in a circuit with branching paths?

  • Current changes at different paths.
  • In a single closed loop, current remains constant.
  • Current can split among branches based on resistance.
• What are the key features of an ammeter?

  • Measures current in a circuit.
  • Connected in series with components.
  • Has two connections: positive and negative.
  • Displays current readings (analog or digital).