Sixth Grade
Worksheets
What Is Electricity?
Electricity is a big part of our lives. It powers our lights. It can heat and cool our homes. It can make our televisions and computers work. It can even power our cars! We all use electricity every day, but what is it?
First, you have to know about atoms. All matter is made of atoms. Atoms are very small. They are so small that you cannot see them without a special microscope. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and electrons both have an electrical charge. Protons have a positive charge. Electrons have a negative charge. Neutrons do not have a positive or a negative charge. Most atoms have the same number of protons and electrons. Protons and neutrons form the nucleus of the atom. The nucleus is at the center of an atom. Electrons circle around the nucleus like the planets orbit the sun.
Scientists have learned that electrons can move from one atom to another. This creates electricity. You can see electricity in many forms. Lightning is a form of electricity. When you pull a sweater over your hair or rub your .....
