ABSTRACT
BASICS OF ELECTRICITY Most theories of electricity relate to the concept of creating an electrical flow of electrons from one place to another. This flow begins at the atomic level of an object and can result in a relative electron flow through both small and great distances. The following sections address many of the issues relating to the fundamental qualities and nature of electricity.
Atomic Theory In basic atomic theory most scientists recognize the concept of particle theory, in which all substances are made up of small particles called atoms. These, in turn, are made up of even smaller particles that are associated with given charges. Protons carrying a positive charge are found in the central cluster (nucleus) of the atom along with the neutrally charged particles called neutrons. Orbiting this cluster are additional particles called electrons that carry negative charges. The most basic form of any material is called an element and can be identified through a specific atomic structure as defined by the number of protons that are contained in each atom. Most atoms contain an overall neutral charge, which is reflected through their containing the same number of protons and electrons. The familiar model of the solar system, with the sun at its center and a number of orbiting planets, forms a good model for the basic concept of an atom. As atoms become more complex, the number of protons and electrons increases, and the electrons shift to positions or energy shells that are farther away from the nucleus and contain progressively more and more electrons. Each energy shell becomes progressively more stable as additional electrons continue to fill its empty orbital or shell positions. Any material with a completely filled outer shell represents the most stable materials found in nature. If an energy shell only has one or two electrons in its outermost shell it can become unstable, and these electrons might be dislodged or shared between adjoining atoms that have a similar structure.
