Energy Basics: Energy Pathways

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  • Atoms

    Atoms: Why do they matter?

    Everything is made of atoms - trees, water, stars, pizza, even you and me. Electrons swirl around the center, or nucleus, of an atom. When electrons jump from one atom to another, we get electricity.

  • Static Electricity

    Ugh, bad hair day!

    Ever rub a balloon on your hair? When you do, electrons leap from the balloon to your hair. Like charges, such as electrons, repel one another. So as the electrons move away from each other, it makes your hair stands on end. This is called static electricity.

  • Plasma Ball

    Complete the loop

    Electricity follows the path of least resistance from higher to lower voltages. So when we touch the plasma ball, we complete the circuit. Electricity passes through our bodies straight to the ground, the lowest voltage around.

  • Circuits

    Loop de loop

    Electricity travels in closed loops or "circuits". Before electrons can flow, they need a complete path to follow. Turning a switch on or off opens and closes a circuit, allowing or interrupting the flow of electricity. Using electricity requires that more must be added immediately to avoid upsetting the circuit balance.

  • Energy Basics: Energy Pathways  :
    • Atoms
    • Static Electricity
    • Plasma Ball
    • Circuits