What is Electricity?
Electricity is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. This guide explains voltage, current, resistance, circuits, and the difference between AC and DC power.
The Three Components of Electricity
Voltage (V)
Electrical pressure or potential difference. Measured in volts. Think of it as the push that moves electrons.
Current (I)
Flow of electric charge. Measured in amperes (amps). Current is the rate of electron flow.
Resistance (R)
Opposition to current flow. Measured in ohms. Resistance determines how much current flows for a given voltage.
Ohm's Law
AC vs DC
AC (Alternating Current): Direction changes periodically. Used in homes and power grids. Efficient for long-distance transmission.
DC (Direct Current): Flows in one direction. Used in batteries and electronics. Consistent voltage.
Explore Electricity Interactively
Use our physics simulations to build circuits and experiment with electricity.
Try Physics Simulations