ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
An electric circuit is a combination of parts connected to form a complete path through which current flows.
An electric circuit is a combination of parts connected to form a complete path through which current flows.
Parts of a circuit.
1. Energy source/supply – this produces the force that push the current through the circuit. This force is called voltage or electromotive force (e.m.f). Voltage (V) is measured in volts (e.g. 10V), while current (I) is measured in amps (e.g 10A).
2. Conductors – these provide an easy path for current to flow. Copper is the most commonly used.
3. Load – this is the part that changes electrical energy into some other useful form of energy. E.g. bulb/ lamp, motor, speaker, heater.
4. Control Device – this opens or closes the circuit. E.g. switch. When ON, the circuit forms a closed loop. When OFF, the circuit has an open loop.
KINDS/TYPES OF CIRCUITS
Loads can be connected to a circuit in three ways;
1. Series
2. Parallel
3. Series-Parallel
A series circuit has one path or loop in which the current flows. Fig. 1.
1. Energy source/supply – this produces the force that push the current through the circuit. This force is called voltage or electromotive force (e.m.f). Voltage (V) is measured in volts (e.g. 10V), while current (I) is measured in amps (e.g 10A).
2. Conductors – these provide an easy path for current to flow. Copper is the most commonly used.
3. Load – this is the part that changes electrical energy into some other useful form of energy. E.g. bulb/ lamp, motor, speaker, heater.
4. Control Device – this opens or closes the circuit. E.g. switch. When ON, the circuit forms a closed loop. When OFF, the circuit has an open loop.
KINDS/TYPES OF CIRCUITS
Loads can be connected to a circuit in three ways;
1. Series
2. Parallel
3. Series-Parallel
A series circuit has one path or loop in which the current flows. Fig. 1.
A parallel circuit has two or more paths or loops in which the current flows. Fig. 2.
A series-parallel circuit combines both types to form one circuit with several paths or loops. Fig. 3.