CertiGuide to A+ (Core Hardware)  9  Chapter 0000:  The Start of the PC

Subsystems 1 Electrons Unleashed

Frequently misunderstood and often feared, electricity is a basic form of energy found in nature. To understand the nature of electricity, begin by looking at the small unit called the atom.

In the center of an atom is a nucleus.

An atom is composed of both positive and negative electrical charges.

Spinning around a nucleus are electrons. Electrons have a negative charge.

Protons have a positive charge, and, as the name implies in neutrons, they are neutral or have no electrical charge.

Typically an atom has an equal number of electrons and protons.

Many of our elements found on Earth have the possibility to dislodge one or more electrons spinning around the nucleus. When this happens the atom has more positive than negative electrical properties, and, is known as a positive ion.

If a dislodged electron joins another atom, the electrical balance becomes negative and is known as a negative ion.

Subsystems 1 Electrons Unleashed