CHAPTER 1 WHAT DO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS DO Look at all the machines in your house that use electricity There are computers televisions and lights They may be plugged into an electrical socket in the wall or they may use batteries Either way electrical engineers helped to make each one Electrical engineers design build and fix machines that use electricity How many electrical devices can you spot in this kitchen
There are many different types of electrical engineering Some engineers work on improving how electricity is made or delivered to your home Others design electric motors or the electrical systems in computers Some specialize in medical equipment If designing or testing electrical devices sounds like fun electrical engineering could be the field for you But you don't have to wait to get started WHAT IS ELECTRICITY Electricity is the flow of electrons or electrical charge Lightning is an example of a natural electric flow Electrical charges move along materials called conductors Many metals conduct electricity Electrical engineers learn how to harness the power of electricity and make it do useful work Electrical cords contain metal wires that conduct electricity electron a tiny particle in an atom that travels around the nucleus conductor a material that lets heat electricity or sound travel easily through it
BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN Electrical engineering is fun and interesting but electricity is a powerful force Be sure to follow these safety rules when conducting experiments Ask an adult before you start doing experiments with electricity With electricity comes the risk of electrical shocks and fire Adult supervision is a must Only use batteries as your source of electricity Never use electricity from an outlet It is too strong and could severely hurt you or start a fire cum If you notice batteries or other parts getting hot disconnect the batteries Excessive heat suggests there is a short circuit This happens when one terminal of the battery is connected directly to the other terminal In a short circuit electricity speeds through the circuit The batteries and wires get so hot that the batteries might be ruined
EDISON Thomas Edison was one of America's greatest inventors He was kicked out of public school at the age of 11 for being hyperactive Edison's mother was a schoolteacher so she continued his education at home There his curiosity pushed him to greatness Edison performed many experiments with electricity Much of today's technology can trace its roots back to Edison's inventions These include improvements in electric light bulbs batteries and video cameras
