What is the basic understanding of electricity commonly referred to as?

The basic understanding of electricity is commonly referred to as Electron Theory. This theory explains the nature of electricity in terms of electrons, which are subatomic particles that carry a negative charge. It provides a fundamental framework for understanding how electrical phenomena occur, including the movement of electrons in conductors, the generation of electric currents, and the interaction between electric and magnetic fields.

Electron Theory is essential in explaining concepts such as current flow, resistance, and the behavior of materials in an electrical field. It's foundational knowledge for anyone entering the field of electrical work or lineman apprenticeships, as it underpins much of the practical application of electricity in tools, systems, and infrastructure.

In contrast, the other options refer to broader or different scientific concepts. Quantum Mechanics deals with the behavior of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic levels, which, while relevant to advanced theories in electricity, is not the foundational understanding. Electrical Engineering is the discipline that applies these foundational concepts to design and develop electrical systems but is not the basic understanding itself. Magnetism, while related to electricity (specifically in how electric fields and magnetic fields interact), does not encompass the entirety of the understanding of electricity as the Electron Theory does.