A battery can act as a source of electricity in circuits. It stores up electric power and then provides a voltage across a circuit causing power to flow through the circuit. 
Batteries use chemicals that react to make electricity. They have a positive connection called the anode and a negative connection called the cathode. When a circuit with a load is placed across the anode and cathode, the chemicals react causing electricity to flow through the circuit. The chemicals in batteries only last so long, so batteries have a limited amount of electricity and eventually will run out. Alternate and Direct Current There are two main types of current used in electrical systems today: alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC). Batteries, and most electronics, use direct current. This is where current always flows in one direction. Power stations that generate power for our homes generate current that constantly changes direction (60 times each second). Therefore the power that we get from our wall outlets is AC current. Static Electricity Sometimes electric charges can build up on the surface of objects. This is called static electricity. When you put on your clothes and they sometimes "stick" to your body or have an attraction to you, this is static electricity. When your hair sometimes goes straight up for no reason, this can be static electricity. If you rub a balloon against your clothes you can build up a static electricity charge on the balloon that will cause it to stick to a wall. Static electricity can sometimes damage electronic components. There are anti-static bags and other ways to protect components from getting damaged. Take a quick 10 question quiz on electricity. Electricity Experiments: Electronic Circuit - Create an electronic circuit. Static Electricity - What is static electricity and how does it work? More subjects on electricity: Electricity 101 Electricity 102 Digital Electronics Electronic Communications Uses of Electricity Static Electricity Magnetism Back to Kids Science Page Back to Kids Study Page |
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