Current and Conductors

1. Current and Conductors Moisture Tester

2. What is DC current? • DC, or direct current means the electrical current is flowing in only one direction in a circuit. • Batteries are a good source of direct current (DC).

3. What is AC current? • AC, or alternating current means the electrical current is alternating directions in a repetitive pattern. • AC is created by generators in power plants, and other sources. This AC current is delivered to our homes and businesses by the power lines we see everywhere.

4. Where current comes from • Our power is made in power stations • Power stations use various types of energy sources to create electricity

5. Non-renewable Energy • This is energy made from materials that are running out • These resources include • Oil • Natural gas • Coal • Uranium

6. Renewable Energy • This is energy made from resources that will never run out • The resources include • Wind • Water • Sun

7. Types of Renewable Energy • Solar Energy • Solar panels are added to roofs • It provides heat and electricity to the building it is on • Photovoltaic cells turn sunlight into electricity

8. Types of Renewable Energy • Wind Energy • Wind machines are places in windy areas • This is more commonly next to the sea • As the blades turn, they drive the shaft of a generator to make electricity

9. Types of Renewable Energy • Hydroelectric Energy • Dams are built to create reservoirs of water • Water falls down the dam and turns the blades of a generator • Like wind power, the blades turn the shaft of a generator to produce electricity

10. Conductors • Conductors are materials that will allow electricity to pass through them • Some common conductors are copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. • Generally, conductors are metals

11. Insulators • Insulators are materials that wont allow electricity to pass through them • Some common insulators are glass, air, plastic, rubber, and wood. • Generally insulators are not metal