Chapter 19: Electric Charges and Currents Electric Circuits and Electric Power
Electric Circuits An electric circuit provides a complete, closed path for an electric current. An electric circuit consists of a source of energy (voltage source), a load (resistance), wires, and a switch
Electric Circuits Source: battery, thermocouple, etc. Load: uses electric energy (light bulb, appliance, etc.) - offers some resistance to current flow Switch: opens and closes the circuit A current needs a closed path - if a switch is off, the circuit is open.
Parts of an Electric Circuit Source (Battery) Load (Light Bulb)
Electric Circuits Electricity cannot flow through an open circuit. Electricity can only flow through a closed circuit. Closed Circuit Open Circuit
Series and Parallel Circuits Series Circuit: circuit in which all parts are connected one after another. If there is a break, the entire circuit is opened and no current flows Parallel Circuit: circuit in which different parts are on separate branches. If there is a break, electrons can still move.
Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
Series and Parallel Circuits Fuse: this strip of metal used for safety because when the current flowing through it becomes too high, it melts and breaks the flow of electricity - Protects against too much current flow (overload) - Once fuses burn out they must be replaced
Series and Parallel Circuits Circuit Breaker: reusable device that protects a circuit from being overloaded - Easier to use than fuses
Power = Voltage x Current Electric Power Electric Power is the ratio at which electric energy is used by doing work, or by changing to a different form, such as heat or light Power = Voltage x Current P = V x I Watts = Volts x Amperes
Kilowatt-hours = Kilowatts x hours Electric Energy Energy = Power x Time E = P x t Kilowatt-hours = Kilowatts x hours