209k views
5 votes
What makes up electric current at the atomic level

User Robbyt
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Each atom has a nucleus surrounded by a definite number of electrons. An electron is a particle of negative energy that revolves around the nucleus as a satellite does around the Earth. The electrons of certain materials, such as copper, aluminum and other metals, can easily leave their orbits; these materials are called conductors.

The electrons of other materials, like ceramic, cannot escape from their orbits; these are called insulators.

When we wave a magnet over a wire made of a metal such as copper, we create a movement of electrons in that wire. The electrons jump from one atom to the next in a domino effect which is what we call electric current. This is how we're able to deliver electricity to your home.

User Frank Fang
by
8.1k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.