🔹 1. What Is Electricity?

🔍 Definition:

Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the existence and flow of electric charges (typically electrons). It is both a natural and human-controlled phenomenon.


⚡ Two Key Forms of Electricity:

TypeDescriptionExamples
Static ElectricityImbalance of charges on an object’s surface. Doesn’t flow.Rubbing a balloon on your sweater
Current ElectricityThe continuous flow of electrons through a conductor.Powering a computer or light bulb

🔋 Types of Electric Current:

TypeDirection of FlowUsed In
Direct Current (DC)Flows in one direction onlyBatteries, solar panels
Alternating Current (AC)Periodically changes directionHousehold electricity, power grids

🔹 2. Electric Circuits: The Engine of Devices

🔍 What Is a Circuit?

An electric circuit is a closed pathway through which electric current flows. It consists of:

  • A power source (e.g., battery)
  • Conductors (wires)
  • Loads (bulbs, motors)
  • Switches (optional control mechanism)

🛠 Components of a Simple Circuit:

ComponentFunctionSymbol
BatteryProvides voltage (potential difference)🔋
WireConducts current
ResistorLimits or regulates current🌀
SwitchOpens or closes the circuit
LoadUses electrical energy (e.g., bulb)💡

🔁 Circuit Types:

TypeDescriptionBehavior if Broken
Series CircuitComponents arranged in a single loopAll stop working
Parallel CircuitComponents on multiple independent pathsOthers still work

🔢 Key Equations:

  • Ohm’s Law:

V=I×RV = I \times RV=I×R

Where:

  • VVV: Voltage (volts)
  • III: Current (amperes)
  • RRR: Resistance (ohms)

🔹 3. What Is Magnetism?

🔍 Definition:

Magnetism is the force of attraction or repulsion produced by moving electric charges. It is a key component of the electromagnetic force — one of the four fundamental forces of nature.


🧲 Properties of Magnets:

  • Have north (N) and south (S) poles.
  • Opposite poles attract, like poles repel.
  • Create an invisible field called a magnetic field.

💡 Magnetic Materials:

Magnetic TypeDescriptionExample
FerromagneticStrongly attracted to magnetsIron, cobalt, nickel
ParamagneticWeakly attractedAluminum
DiamagneticSlightly repelledCopper, bismuth

🔹 4. Electromagnetism: The Unity of Electricity & Magnetism

⚡ Discovery:

Discovered by Hans Christian Ørsted (1820) when he found that a current-carrying wire deflects a compass needle. Later expanded by Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell.


🔄 How Electromagnetism Works:

  • A current-carrying wire generates a magnetic field.
  • A changing magnetic field induces an electric current in nearby conductors.

📘 Right-Hand Rule (For Magnetic Fields Around Wires):

  • Thumb = Current direction
  • Fingers curl = Magnetic field direction

🔧 Electromagnets:

Made by winding a coil of wire (solenoid) around a soft iron core and sending current through the wire.

FactorEffect on Magnetic Strength
More coil turnsIncreases strength
Higher currentStronger magnetic field
Iron core materialAmplifies magnetic field

🧲 Examples of Electromagnetic Devices:

DevicePrinciple UsedPurpose
Electric MotorCurrent → Magnetic field → MotionTurns electricity into movement
GeneratorMotion → Magnetic field → CurrentProduces electricity
TransformerChanges voltage via inductionSteps up/down AC voltage
SpeakersVarying current moves magnetsProduces sound

🔹 5. Magnetic Fields & Field Lines

🌐 Description:

A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where magnetic force is experienced. Visualized using lines from north to south.


🎓 Field Around a Current-Carrying Wire:

  • Circular magnetic field
  • Strength increases closer to the wire
  • Direction follows right-hand rule

🧲 Field Around a Bar Magnet:

  • Field lines exit from the north pole and enter the south pole
  • Strongest at the poles
  • Uniform pattern visible using iron filings

🔹 6. Electromagnetic Induction

🔍 What Is It?

A process where a changing magnetic field induces electric current in a conductor.

Basis of all generators, transformers, and inductive chargers.


💡 Faraday’s Law of Induction:

The induced electromotive force (emf) in a closed circuit is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux.

EMF=−dΦBdt\text{EMF} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}EMF=−dtdΦB​​


🧠 Example:

  • Moving a magnet into a coil → current flows
  • Faster movement = more current

🔹 7. Applications in Daily Life

SectorTechnologyExplanation
HealthcareMRI machines, X-raysUse strong electromagnets for imaging
TransportationMaglev trainsElectromagnetic levitation for frictionless motion
IndustryMotors, cranes, welding toolsDepend on electric and magnetic force
EnergyPower plants, wind turbinesUse magnetic induction to generate current
CommunicationRadios, TVs, mobile phonesUse electromagnetic waves for data transfer

🔹 8. Summary Table

ConceptDescriptionExample
ElectricityFlow of electric chargeBattery powering a phone
CircuitsPath for electricitySeries/parallel light bulb setup
MagnetismForce from moving electronsCompass needle pointing north
ElectromagnetismElectricity creates magnetism (and vice versa)Generator or transformer
Electromagnetic InductionMoving magnetic field creates currentWind turbines producing power