The Basics of Electricity

Electricity is a fundamental part of each and every day for most people in the world. It’s how we power our phones, computers, homes, and businesses. Without electricity, the world would look much different. That’s why it’s important for everyone to have a fundamental understanding of electricity. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of electricity, including basic electrical knowledge and terms.

Electricity Basics

First, we’ll start with some basic physics information that makes up the foundation of electricity:

• Electricity - The movement of electrons from one place to another
• Electrons - Subatomic particles with a negative charge that can flow through any material
• Charge - The physical property of subatomic particles. Negative charge is carried by electrons. Positive charge is carried by protons

Since electricity is the movement of electrons, let’s look at some basic electrical terms that explain that movement further:

• Current - The flow of electrons. This is measured in AMPS
• AMPS - The amount of electrons flowing in a current
• Volts - The force required to push electrons through resistance
• Watts - The power that results from the work an electron does to push through resistance
  
• Resistance - How easily electrons flow through a material
• Ohms - The unit used to measure the resistance of a material. This slows the flow of electrons

• Conductors - Types of matter that electrons flow through easily with low resistance
• Semiconductors - Types of matter that electrons can flow through under certain circumstances
• Insulators - Types of matter that electrons flow through with great difficulty and high resistance

Next, there are more aspects of electricity for when some of these components are combined. This includes different types of currents that factor into how electricity works in electronics and power grids that supply energy to homes and businesses:

• Wires - Power cables made up of one or more conductors. Currents of electrons flow through them to transmit electrical power
• AC Current - AC stands for alternating current. This is because the current (flow) of electrons alternates in comparison to a DC current. This type of electricity is used in homes and businesses
• DC Current - DC stands for direct current. This is because the current of electrons moves in one direction. This type of electricity is used for transmitting electrical power between different places
• Batteries - A source of stored electrical power used to power other devices. Batteries only generate DC power currents
• Transformers - Part of the power grid that converts high-voltage electricity into a lower voltage that can be used in homes
• Circuit - A path for transmitting electric current. A circuit includes a device to give energy (like a battery or generator), a device to use the current (like a TV or computer), and connecting wires/transmission lines to transmit the current

All of these aspects of electricity are involved in things like harnessing solar energy and making power grids work. Combined, these small components of electricity help keep the world moving and can be used to accomplish great things.

The Elumis Foundation believes that no child should be left in the dark. Our goal is to use solar kits to bring light to families and children around the world who don’t have access to electricity. With the renewable power of the sun, we can change the lives of people all around the world, give them opportunities they wouldn’t have without access to electricity, and help our planet in the process. Find out how you can get involved and help us make a difference today!

About the Elumis Foundation

The Elumis Foundation is a certified non-profit organization that was created in 2018 by siblings Eva and Michael Sakellakis (ages 15 and 13), looking to make a difference. Their father, who has his own successful solar business Elumis, helped and inspired them to form the foundation. Together they formed a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization. This allows all donations to be tax-deductible by the donors. 100% of all donations received will fund the distribution of solar kits to be given to families who do not have electricity in impoverished areas of the world.

Elumis’ goal is to bring light to families and kids without that privilege through solar kits. These solar kits are powered through solar panels and can provide light and electricity for a family for up to 24 continuous hours. The Foundation has already made its first donation of 1000 solar kits in Vietnam and plans to distribute more kits to third-world countries throughout Africa, South East Asia, Central America, and India. Our goal is to distribute at least 100,000 kits to families in need.