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How to Use Positive & Negative Electric Charge

A positive charge is also referred to as a proton, while a negative charge is referred to as an electron. Contrary to what most people think, an electrical charge, such as in a battery, flows internally from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. To use a positive and negative electric charge, there has to be a complete wired circuit; any break in the circuit and electricity can't flow. Connecting an electrical device between the wires from a power source is an intrinsic part of using a positive and negative electric charge.

Things You'll Need

Battery
Two strips of wire
Electrical item (light bulb)

Instructions

- 1
  Check the power source, such as a battery, and the electrical item have matching voltages. For example, if the electrical item needs 1.5 volts to operate, then the battery needs to produce 1.5 volts. Mismatching voltages can mean the positive and negative electric charge may cause damage to the electrical equipment. You can find the voltages on the labels of the electrical item and power source.
- 2
  Connect the bare end of a strip of wire to the positive terminal on the electrical device. It is labeled "+". Connect the bare end of a second strip of wire to the negative terminal on the electrical device labeled "-."
- 3
  Connect the opposite end of the strip of wire connected to the positive terminal of the electrical device to the positive terminal of the battery; it's also labeled "+." Connect the opposite end of the wire connected to the negative terminal of the electrical device to the negative terminal of the battery labeled "-." The circuit is complete so a positive and negative electric charge can flow around the wiring from the battery to the electrical item and back to the battery.

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