When we talk about electricity, it is important that we know about atoms. Atoms are the tiny building blocks from which everything is made . . . even you! Every atom has three basic parts: protons, electrons and neutrons. Protons and electrons have an electrical trait called a charge. Protons have a plus charge. Electrons have a minus charge. Neutrons have no charge.

An atom has protons and neutrons in its center, which is called the nucleus. Electrons orbit the nucleus. Electrons can move to different atoms. An atom that gains or loses electrons has an electric charge. If an atom loses electrons, it has a minus charge. Charged atoms pull atoms without a charge toward them. Atoms with different charges pull together too. But, atoms with the same charge push eachother away. When you comb your hair on a cold day, you are making a charge. Electrons from your hair rub off on the comb. Your hair might crackle and stand up and paper bits or dust could stick to your comb! What does this mean? Combing gives each hair a plus charge. The hairs push eachother away because their charges are the same. The comb's charged atoms attract the uncharged atoms in the paper or dust. Sometimes the electrons on atoms with a minus charge move to other atoms. They move quickly from atom to atom. This stream is called current. A current is what lights a light bulb and runs a television set.