Electric Circuits And Voltage Lesson 6

Parts of an Electric Circuit Every circuit essentially has 4 parts to it. The source of electrical energy This can range from a battery, to a generation station. 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 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 and Symbols There 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 and Symbols All lines are drawn straight with right angled corners for turns. All other parts of the circuit follow the symbols shown below.

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Conductor or wire To pass current very easily from one part of a circuit to another.

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Cell-Supplies electrical energy The positive end is bigger than the negative end.

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols 2 Cells

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols DC Source- Electrical energy source DC = Direct current, always flows one way

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols AC Source - Electrical energy source AC = Alternating current, continually changing direction

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Ground – A connection to earth

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Switch - An on-off switch allows current to flow only when it is in the closed (on) position

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Lamp A transducer which converts electrical energy to light

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Resistor A resistor restricts the flow of current,

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Ammeter -Device that measures current A

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Voltmeter -Device that measures voltage V

Electric Circuit Diagrams and Symbols Motor -electrical load that converts electrical energy into movement M

Electric Potential (Voltage)

Electric Potential (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 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 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 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 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 circuit You can use a voltmeter to measure across different parts of a circuit.  

activity Try to make the circuit shown in the diagram. What voltage does the circuit have?