Electric CircuitsElectric CircuitsAnd VoltageAnd VoltageLesson 6

Parts of an Electric Parts of an Electric Circuit Circuit Every circuit essentially has 4 parts to

it. 1.The source of electrical energy

◦ This can range from a battery, to a generation station.

2.Electrical Load◦ Anything that converts electrical

energy into whatever form of energy needed. The load is the reason that the electrical load exists

Parts of an Electric Parts of an Electric Circuit Circuit 3. Connectors

◦ Anything that conducts electricity, this can include wires to anything that is metal.

4. Electric circuit control device◦ A simple knife switch, thermostat or any

other device that can control the flow of electricity.

◦ When electricity can make a complete circuit it is referred to as Closed Circuit

◦ When electricity cannot make a complete circuit it is referred to as a Open Circuit

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsThere are set rules when drawing

circuit diagrams, doing this makes them universal for anyone looking at them and it makes them easier to read and follow. It also allows only a few basic symbols to represent many different types of switches, loads and energy sources. The drawings that follow these rules are called Schematic Circuit Diagrams.

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsAll lines are drawn straight with

right angled corners for turns. All other parts of the circuit follow the symbols shown below.

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsConductor or wire

◦To pass current very easily from one part of a circuit to another.

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsCell-Supplies electrical energy

◦The positive end is bigger than the negative end.

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand Symbols2 Cells

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsDC Source- Electrical energy

source◦DC = Direct current, always flows

one way

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsAC Source - Electrical energy

sourceAC = Alternating current,

continually changing direction

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsGround –

◦A connection to earth

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsSwitch - An on-off switch allows

current to flow only when it is in the closed (on) position

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsLamp

◦A transducer which converts electrical energy to light

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsResistor

◦A resistor restricts the flow of current,

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsAmmeter

◦-Device that measures current

A

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsVoltmeter-Device that measures voltage

V

Electric Circuit Diagrams Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbolsand SymbolsMotor -electrical load that

converts electrical energy into movement

M

Electric Potential Electric Potential (Voltage) (Voltage)

Electric Potential Electric Potential (Voltage) (Voltage) You cannot see current or

voltage directly. The example of water in a pressurized pipe can help you understand how to use these terms.

Voltage is the electrical force, or "pressure", that causes current to flow in a circuit. Take a look at the diagram.  Voltage would be the force that is pushing the water (electrons) forward. If the water pressure is increased, more water will flow through the pipe with more energy.

Voltage is a way to describe electric energy. Some circuits have a high voltage. Other circuits have a low voltage. Voltage is measured in volts (V). You can measure voltage using a voltmeter or a multimeter.

A load converts electrical energy into another form of energy. You can compare this to the water flowing past a water wheel. The wheel converts some of the energy of the water into motion. The water has more energy before the wheel than after the wheel.

Voltage is also called potential difference. When you measure voltage, you measure the difference in electric energy across the load in a circuit.

A voltmeter measures voltage across a component of a circuit. If you are using a multimeter to measure voltage, your circuit diagram shows the multimeter as a voltmeter.

V

Measuring voltage in a circuitYou can use a voltmeter to

measure across different parts of a circuit.

 

activityactivityTry to make the circuit shown in

the diagram. What voltage does the circuit

have?