Content Transparency #15A

Use with Chapter 15, pp. 480–481

What is current?
A wire can carry an electric current. Most wires are made of a
metal that is a good conductor, such as copper. The metal is
surrounded by plastic or rubber insulation to make the wire safe
to touch. Electrons are particles of an atom. When a power source
is turned on, the electrons flow through the wire in the same direction.

Current
When a power source is turned
on, the electrons flow through the
wire in the same direction.

No Current
The electrons go through the
wire in random directions. © Pearson Education, Inc.

Grade 5 • Physical Science