Atomic Structure, Electric Charge, and Material Conductivity
Classified in Chemistry
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Part 1: Fundamentals of Electricity and Matter
What is Matter?
Matter is made up of elementary particles that form atoms.
The Structure of the Atom
The atom comprises a core (nucleus) and an outer shell (crust).
Electric Charge and Atomic Components
The atomic components are protons, neutrons, and electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, while the electrons reside in the outer shell.
- Neutrons: Are electrically neutral (do not carry a charge).
- Protons: Have a positive electric charge.
- Electrons: Have a negative electric charge.
Negatively Charged Atoms (Ions)
An atom becomes negatively charged when it possesses an excess of electrons.
Neutral Atoms and Charge Balance
An atom is electrically neutral when the number of protons (positive charges) and the number of electrons (negative charges) is equal. The overall electric charge of a body depends on the balance of these positive and negative charges.
Understanding Electric Current
Electric current is the continuous and orderly displacement of electrons circulating along a body.
Conventional Current Direction
The conventional direction of current flow is defined as positive to negative. In reality, the flow of electric charges (electrons) is from negative to positive.
Materials and Conductivity
Electric current can be conducted through materials in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Conductors
Conductors are materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily. Silver is the best electrical conductor.
Insulators
Insulators are materials that do not allow electric current to pass through easily.
Semiconductors
Semiconductors are materials whose conductivity is temperature-dependent; they can act as either insulators or conductors.
Can Fluids Conduct Electric Current?
Yes, liquids and gases can allow electric current to pass through them.
Part 2: Repetition of Fundamentals
What is Matter?
Matter is made up of elementary particles that form atoms.
The Structure of the Atom
The atom comprises a core (nucleus) and an outer shell (crust).
Electric Charge and Atomic Components
The atomic components are protons, neutrons, and electrons. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, while the electrons reside in the outer shell.
- Neutrons: Are electrically neutral (do not carry a charge).
- Protons: Have a positive electric charge.
- Electrons: Have a negative electric charge.
Negatively Charged Atoms (Ions)
An atom becomes negatively charged when it possesses an excess of electrons.
Neutral Atoms and Charge Balance
An atom is electrically neutral when the number of protons (positive charges) and the number of electrons (negative charges) is equal. The overall electric charge of a body depends on the balance of these positive and negative charges.
Understanding Electric Current
Electric current is the continuous and orderly displacement of electrons circulating along a body.
Conventional Current Direction
The conventional direction of current flow is defined as positive to negative. In reality, the flow of electric charges (electrons) is from negative to positive.
Materials and Conductivity
Electric current can be conducted through materials in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Conductors
Conductors are materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily. Silver is the best electrical conductor.
Insulators
Insulators are materials that do not allow electric current to pass through easily.
Semiconductors
Semiconductors are materials whose conductivity is temperature-dependent; they can act as either insulators or conductors.
Can Fluids Conduct Electric Current?
Yes, liquids and gases can allow electric current to pass through them.