Atoms

To gain an insight into how electricity flows through a material, we need to understand the structure of "Atoms" (nature's building) blocks.

ATOM

All matter is made up of Carbon, Hydrogen, and other Atoms. Each Atom is comprised of Protons, which are positively-charged; Neutrons, which have no charge; and Electrons, which are negatively-charged. The Protons and Neutrons form the "nucleus" of the Atom, and the Electrons travel in "orbits" around the "nucleus" much like the earth travels around the sun.

Protons and Electrons follow specific Laws of Attraction. Since they have opposite charges, they "attract" to one another. If an Atom has the same number of Protons as Electrons, then the Atom is balanced and stable. The orbiting Electrons remain in their "orbits" as long as nothing upsets the balance.

When something upsets this balance, then some of the Electrons become "knocked out" of their "orbits". They are called "Free" Electrons. This unbalanced condition can be caused by rubbing cat's fur on Amber, passing a Wire through a Magnetic Field, or putting two chemicals together (as in a Dry Cell Battery).