Schematic Diagrams & Circuits Chapter 20 Section 1

Schematic Diagrams Schematic Diagrams – A graphical representation of an electrical circuit, with standardized symbols representing circuit components. Reading Schematic Diagrams is necessary to determine how the parts in an electrical device are arranged. It allows an easy way to represent complicated electrical circuits.

Electrical Circuits Electrical Circuits – A set of electrical components connected so that they provide one or more complete paths for the movement of charge. The way current flows through a circuit can be easily associated to the way water flows in pipes.

Electrical Circuits Explained When all electrical components are connected, charge can move freely in a circuit. The movement of charges in a circuit can be halted by opening the switch.

Sources of Electrical Energy The source of potential difference (Voltage) and electrical energy is the circuit’s emf. emf: The Energy per unit charge supplied by a source of electric current. The battery is the source of the potential difference and electrical energy of the circuit. Think of such a source as a “Charge Pump.”

Terminal Voltage Terminal Voltage – The potential difference across the battery’s terminals. The terminal voltage will always be a little less then the emf because of internal resistance in the battery itself. The potential difference across a load equals the terminal voltage.