‘Wires’ are the prime source of transferring current. These electric components are denoted as specific electric symbols that are used for theoretical representations. On the other part, a battery is a combination of two or more cells connected in series to produce higher electricity. It is used in applications where more electricity is needed like torches, toys, UPS, cars, etcetera.  We will also learn about fuse which is a safety device that is connected to an electrical circuit to prevent excessive current flow during fault conditions. At the end of the chapter, we will also understand the magnetic effect of electric current.

The wires used to connect the various components in a circuit are represented by lines. When we turn on the switch, the circuit makes a closed loop. So, the electric current passes through the wire and the bulb glows. When we turn off the switch, the circuit makes an open loop. So, the electric current cannot pass through the wire and hence, the bulb doesn’t glow.

The battery is defined as a combination of two or more cells. In a battery, the negative terminal of one cell is connected to the positive terminal of the next cell, and so on. Batteries are used in several devices such as toys, remote controls, torches, and transistors.

When an electric current is passed through a conductor like electric iron, the conductor produces heat and becomes hot after some time. This happens due to the conversion of electric energy into heat energy. This effect of electric current is called the heating effect of current. We will understand the heating effect of electric current through a phenomenon.

The electric fuse consists of a wire which is made up of a metal or an alloy that has a low melting point. The connection of the Fuse in an electrical circuit is always in series. When too much current is produced due to the heavy flow of current in an electrical circuit, the fuse wire melts down and it opens the circuit.

In this virtual tour, we will learn about the Magnetic effect of electric current. A current flowing in a wire produces a magnetic field around it. When an electric current passes through a coil, it behaves like a magnet. This is the magnetic effect of electric current. We will understand this through an experiment.

In this virtual tour activity, we will understand the functioning of the electric bell. An electric bell contains an electromagnet, consisting of coils of insulated wire wound around iron rods. When an electric current flows through the coils, it becomes magnetic and attracts a piece of iron attached to a hammer. The hammer hits the bell and makes it ring.