State the main effects of electric current? What are the applications of it?

The three main effects of an electric current are:

1. Magnetic effect
2. Chemical effect and
3. Heating effect.

Some practical applications of the effects of an electric current include:

Magnetic effect: 

When electric current flows through a wire, it behaves like a magnet. This is called magnetic effect of electric current.

Figure 1: Electric bell - examples of magnetic effect.

Applications of magnetic effect:

• Bells
• Relays
• Motors
• Generators
• Transformers
• Telephones
• Car-ignition and 
• Lifting magnets.

Chemical effect: 

The passage of an electric current through a conducting liquid causes chemical reactions. The resulting effects are called chemical effects of electric current.

Figure 2: Battery - Example of chemecal effect.

Applications of chemical effect:

• Primary and secondary cells and 
• Electroplating.

Heating effect:  

When electric current flows through a wire, the wire gets heated. This is called the heating effect of electric current.

Figure 3: Irons - example of heating effects.

Applications of heating effect:

• Cookers
• Water heaters
• Electric fires
• Irons
• Furnaces
• Kettles and 
• Soldering irons

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