Electricity Chapter Notes | Eureka Plus Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Introduction

Electricity is a form of energy that has become an essential part of our lives. It powers various appliances and activities, making tasks easier and more convenient.

Electric Cell and Battery

• An electric cell is a device that produces electric current.
• A set of electric cells is called a battery.
• Cells have a positive (+) and a negative (—) terminal.
• The positive terminal is the metal cap, and the negative terminal is the metal disc at the bottom.
• Cells are filled with chemicals that react to produce electricity.
• A cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
• When chemicals are used up, the cell stops producing electricity.

Electric Bulb

• An electric bulb produces light and heat when electricity passes through the tungsten filament inside.
• The filament is fixed onto two thick wires, serving as positive and negative terminals.
• The bulb is filled with argon gas, protecting the filament from heat.
• If the filament breaks, the bulb fuses and stops producing light.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

• LEDs are used as an alternative to ordinary bulbs.
• They have thick metal strips and last longer (about 6 to 11 years).
• LEDs consume less electricity and produce less heat than bulbs.
• They come in various colors: red, green, yellow, blue, and white.
• LEDs allow electricity to flow only in one direction.

Conductors and Insulators

• Materials allowing electricity to pass are conductors (e.g., metals like copper).
• Copper is used for good-quality electric wires.
• Plastics, fiberglass, ceramics, and mica do not allow electricity to pass; they are insulators.
• Insulators shield things from electric current and have high melting points.

Generating Electricity

• Power plants use turbines to generate electricity.
• Turbines can be operated by burning coal, flowing water, or nuclear energy.
• Thermal power plants burn coal and pollute the air.
• Hydroelectric power plants use flowing water to turn turbines.
• Solar power plants convert solar energy into electricity using solar panels.

Transmission of Electricity

• Electricity from power plants reaches homes and places through an electricity grid.
• Electric cables are fixed on tall poles to keep them out of reach.
• Cables are not insulated, and touching them can be dangerous.

Electric Circuit

• To operate an appliance, electricity needs to flow in a closed circuit.
• An electric circuit is a loop of conducting material, like copper wires.
• It connects the appliance to the electric source in a specific way.

Resistor in Electric Circuit

• A resistor controls electric current flow in a circuit.
• LEDs need a proper resistor to avoid damage from excess current.
• Without a resistor, the LED may fuse instantly.

Importance of Switch

• A switch completes or breaks an electric circuit.
• When ON, the circuit is complete, and the appliance works.
• When OFF, the circuit breaks, and the appliance does not work.
• Switches are used to control the flow and direction of electric current.

Conclusion

Understanding electricity is essential as it powers our daily activities and appliances. From the basics of electric cells and bulbs to advanced technologies like LEDs and power plants, this chapter provides valuable insights into the world of electricity.