Electrical energy is a form of energy produced by the movement or flow of electric charges, mainly electrons, through a conductor. Electrical energy is commonly used in homes, schools, hospitals, and industries to power electrical appliances and machines.

Electrical energy is very important in our daily lives because it helps us to perform many activities such as lighting, cooking, communication, and operating machines.

Electric current is the continuous flow of electrons through a conductor from one point to another. Electrons flow when there is a source of electrical energy such as a battery or generator.

Conditions Required for the Flow of Electric Current

For electric current to flow, the following conditions must be present:

1. There must be a source of electrical energy such as a battery or generator.


2. There must be a conductor such as copper wire.


3. There must be a complete or closed circuit.

Electric current does not flow in an open circuit.

An electric circuit is a complete path through which electric current flows. A simple electric circuit consists of the following parts:

1. A source of electrical energy, such as a battery.


2. Conducting wires.


3. A load, such as a bulb or electric motor.


4. A switch, used to open or close the circuit.

1. SERIES CIRCUIT

A series circuit is a type of circuit in which electrical components are connected one after the other in a single path.

Characteristics of a Series Circuit

1. Electric current flows through only one path.


2. If one component fails, the whole circuit stops working.


3. The brightness of bulbs decreases as more bulbs are added.

Advantages of a Series Circuit

1. It is easy to construct.


2. It uses fewer wires.

Disadvantages of a Series Circuit

1. It is not suitable for home wiring.


2. Failure of one appliance affects all others.

2. PARALLEL CIRCUIT

A parallel circuit is a type of circuit in which electrical components are connected across separate paths.

Characteristics of a Parallel Circuit

1. Electric current flows through more than one path.


2. Each component works independently.


3. Bulbs glow with full brightness.

Advantages of a Parallel Circuit

1. Failure of one appliance does not affect others.


2. It is suitable for house wiring.

Disadvantages of a Parallel Circuit

1. It uses more wires.


2. It is more difficult to construct.

A fuse is a safety device used in electrical circuits to protect appliances from damage caused by excessive current. A fuse consists of a thin wire that melts when too much current flows through it.

Functions of a Fuse

1. It helps us to prevent damage to electrical appliances.


2. It helps us to prevent fire outbreaks.


3. It helps us to protect electrical circuits.

A circuit breaker is an automatic safety device that switches off electric current when there is an overload or short circuit. Unlike a fuse, a circuit breaker can be reset after it trips.

Advantages of a Circuit Breaker

1. It can be reused after tripping.


2. It helps us to improve electrical safety.


3. It responds quickly to electrical faults.

An electric meter is a device used to measure the amount of electrical energy consumed in a building. The unit of electrical energy measured by the meter is kilowatt-hour.

Uses of an Electric Meter

1. It helps us to measure electricity consumption.


2. It helps us to calculate electricity bills.


3. It helps electricity distribution companies to monitor usage.

Electric meter reading involves checking the figures displayed on the meter to know the amount of electrical energy used. Electricity billing is the process of charging consumers based on the units of electrical energy consumed.

Electricity bills are calculated by multiplying the number of units used by the cost per unit.

Electrical energy can be generated from different sources, including:

1. Water, through hydroelectric power stations.


2. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.


3. Solar energy from the Sun.


4. Wind energy.

These sources help us to produce electricity for various uses.

Electrical energy is used in many areas of life, including:

1. Lighting homes, streets, and schools.


2. Powering household appliances such as fans, televisions, and refrigerators.


3. Communication through radios, televisions, and mobile phones.


4. Industrial machines and equipment.


5. Medical equipment in hospitals.

Electrical energy helps us to improve the quality of life and development of society.

To prevent accidents involving electricity, the following safety rules should be observed:

1. Do not touch electrical appliances with wet hands.


2. Do not overload electrical sockets.


3. Replace damaged wires immediately.


4. Switch off appliances when not in use.


5. Do not insert objects into sockets.

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Summary

Electrical energy is produced by the flow of electrons through a conductor and it is widely used for lighting, communication, and operating machines.

Electric current flows only in a closed circuit and electrical safety devices such as fuses and circuit breakers help us to protect appliances and lives.

Electrical energy can be generated from different sources and it helps us to improve the quality of life and development of society.