Electric Circuits An electric circuit is something that

Electric Circuits • An electric circuit is something that provides a complete path through which electricity travels. • Wires in electric circuits are similar in some ways to pipes and hoses that carry water.

A Basic Circuit All electric circuits have three main parts 1. A source of energy (battery) 2. A closed path (wire) 3. A device which uses the energy (light bulb) If ANY part of the circuit is open the device will not work!

Electrical Symbols Circuit diagrams are a short-cut method of drawing circuits. They don’t need to be perfectly draw, but they can be drawn wrong.

Electrical Symbols Wire Paths for electricity to flow. Battery Pushes electricity through circuit.

Electrical Symbols Resists flow of electricity Lights up; resists electricity Light Bulb Resistor

Electrical Symbols Turns electricity on and off. Switch What one would look like.

Simple Circuit When you are drawing a circuit it may be a wise thing to start by drawing the battery first, then follow along the loop (closed) starting with positive and drawing what you see. series parallel

Simple Circuits • Series circuit • All in a row • 1 path for electricity • 1 light goes out and the circuit is broken • Parallel circuit • Many paths for electricity • 1 light goes out and the others stay on

Series and Parallel Circuits • Series Circuits • only one end of each component is connected, one path for current • e. g. Christmas tree lights • Parallel Circuits • both ends of a component are connected, many paths for current • e. g. household lighting