Simple Electrical Circuit III-Flores

Simple Circuit A simple circuit contains the minimum things needed to have a functioning electric circuit

Requirements A source of electrical potential difference or voltage. (typically a battery or electrical outlet)

Requirements A conductive path which would allow for the movement of charges. (typically made of wire)

Requirements An electrical resistance (resistor) which is loosely defined as any object that uses electricity to do work. (a light bulb, electric motor, heating element, speaker, etc.)

A Simple Circuit The battery or source is represented by an escalator which raises charges to a higher level of energy.

A Simple Circuit As the charges move through the resistor (represented by the paddle wheel) they do work on the resistor and as a result, they lose energy.

A Simple Circuit By the time each charge makes it back to the battery, it has lost all the energy given to it by the battery.

A Simple Circuit As the charges move through a wire, they lose no energy (assuming the wires are short and are a good conductor).

A Simple Circuit The potential drop ( - potential difference) across the resistor is the same as the potential rise ( + potential difference) across the battery. This demonstrates that a charge can only do as much work as was done on it by the battery.

A Simple Circuit The charges are positive so this is a representation of Conventional Current (the apparent flow of positive charges)

A Simple Circuit The charges are only flowing in one direction so this would be considered direct current ( D.C. ).

Alvin M. Suarez Divine Mae S. Balondo III-Flores