Electricity is produced by creating an electrical charge. This electrical charge is a result of the ionization of certain materials. In order to understand how electricity works, you need to understand the basics of atomic theory.
An atom is comprised of negatively charged electrons, positively charged protons and neutrally charged neutrons. In a stable atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons and the atom has no charge. If the atom loses or gains an electron, its will be either positively (lost an electron) or negatively charged (gained an electron). Once charged, the atom is known as an ion.
Certain materials have atoms that have single electrons in the outer shell (valance) of the atom. This electron is easily dislodged and the material ionized (charged). Most metals like gold, copper, silver, and brass are easily charged, therefore they are good conductors of electricity.
The electron removed from the atom of copper seeks a positively charge ion in order to balance the charge. If we create a surplus of electons (negative charge), these electrons will want to 'flow' towards an area of deficit electrons (positive charge). The flow of electrons is the energy we know as electricity. This electricity can do work for us. It can turn wheels by powering motors or heat up filaments to create light. The electrons will not travel unless there is a complete path to the area of positive charge (complete circuit).
Some basic rules govern how electricity behaves in a circuit. These rules were discovered in the 19th century by Georg Ohm, hence Ohm's Law.
I = Intensity (current) measured in amps
E = Electromotive Force (potential) measured in volts
R = Resistance measured in ohms
The power formula describes the relationship between EMF (voltage), Current (amps) and Power (watts).
