Intro to Circuits and Diagrams Flashcards
What is Static Electricity vs Current Electricity?
Charges can not leave the object unless physical contact occurs (friction, contact) vs Electric charges flow through a conductive material (wire).
What is Current Electricity?
Electric current = flow of electrons
Electrons can only flow through certain materials (conductors)
Electrons can NOT flow through insulators
What is a circuit and what are the parts of it?
A circuit is a complete circular path that electricity flows through.
It has 4 main parts:
1. SOURCE
Provides energy for the circuit
Eg. Battery
2. LOAD
Transforms electrical energy into another usable form
Eg. Lightbulb (into light)
3. WIRE
Conductor that carries the electrons around the circuit
Protected by an insulator
4.Switch
Controls the flow of electrons
Eg. power button, light switch
What is an open circuit?
Open circuit: electrons cannot flow and load is OFF
What is a closed circuit?
Closed circuit: electrons can complete the circuit and load is ON
What is the direction of current flow?
The electric current flows from the negative terminal of the cell, through the conductors, switch and load, and returns to the positive terminal.
Why do we draw circuit diagrams?
Drawing full pictures to represent a circuit takes a lot of time and energy
Instead, draw a circuit diagram to show the same thing!
What are the 2 types of circuits?
Series: loads are connected BESIDE each other
Parallel: loads are connected AROUND each other
What are the rules for circuit diagrams?
The circuit should have a rectangular shape, even though the wires may not be arranged that neatly.
The circuit should not have any gaps, unless there is an open switch
Use straight lines for conducting wires
Do not put any components in the corners
