Core Concepts of Electricity

Definition and scope of electricity

Electricity is the set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter that has electric charge. It is closely connected with magnetism, since moving charge (an electric current) produces a magnetic field, and the two are unified within electromagnetism as described by Maxwell’s equations. Observable effects of electricity include lightning, static electricity, electric heating, and electric discharges. Within its scope, electricity is explained through key concepts such as electric fields (produced by charges), electric current (motion of charge carriers), and electric potential (work done to move a charge within an electric field). In most practical situations, Coulomb’s law describes the force between charged particles. Electricity is central to modern technology: it powers electrical energy systems using electric current to energize equipment and underpins electronics, which uses electrical circuits with active components (e.g., transistors, diodes, integrated circuits) and passive interconnections. It also supports communication and computation through electromagnetic waves, and it is produced, transmitted, stored, and applied across transport, lighting, heating/cooling, and industry.

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Electric charge and elementary charge

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