Science Chapter 10: Electric Current and its Effects

It is convenient to represent electric components by symbols. Using these, an electric circuit can be represented by a circuit diagram.

When an electric current flows through a wire, the wire gets heated. It is the heating effect of current. This effect has many applications.

Wires made from some special materials melt quickly and break when large electric currents are passed through them. These materials are used for making electric fuses which prevent fires and damage to electric appliances.

When an electric current flows through a wire, it behaves like a magnet. A current carrying coil of an insulated wire wrapped around a piece of iron is called an electromagnet. Electromagnets are used in many devices.