The Main difference between Neutral, Ground and Earth?

Neutral
Neutral is return path for an AC circuit which is supposed to carry current in normal condition.
This current may be because of many reasons, primarily because of phase current imbalance and
some time because 3rd and 5th harmonics also.

Also read: What is the difference between Real Ground and Virtual Ground?

There may be others reasons too but the magnitude of this current is in fraction of phase current
and in few case it can be even double of phase current. So Neutral wire is always assumed to be
charged (in active circuit). This neutral wire is given to ground (by grounding) to make the
second terminal of neutral wire at zero potential.

Earth or Ground
Earth or Ground is for safety concerns against leakage or residual currents on the system via
least resistance path. While phase and neutral is connected to main power wiring, earth may be
connected to body of equipment or to any system which in normal condition doesnt carry
current but in case of some insulation failure, is supposed to carry some minor current.

Also read: The purpose of Earth or Ground wire in over-Head Transmission lines.

This current is not directly coming from live or phase wire, but is from secondary links which
was not in touch with live system in normal condition. This current is usually much lesser than
main line current or phase current and mostly is in order of mA. But this leakage current is good
enough to kill someone or may risk fire. Such current are being provided a low resistance path
and sent to earth via earth wire.
Because of the difference in application we never mix grounding of neutral and earth. However
both are made grounded (of-course the process may be different). If both will be mixed then the
earth wire which is not supposed to carry any current in normal condition , may have some
charges across and will become hazardous.

Why Parallel Connection is Mostly Preferred

over Series Connection?

Electrical Technology 03/07/2015 Basic Concepts, Electrical Wiring (Basic for Home),
Questions/Answers (Electrical), Resistors 4 Comments 47,351 Views
Table of Contents [Hide]
o Introduction to Series & Parallel Connections
o SERIES CIRCUIT
o Uses & Application of Series Connection
o PARALLEL CIRCUIT
o Uses & Application of Parallel Connection

ADVANTAGE OF PARALLEL CIRCUIT CONNECTION OVER SERIES CIRCUIT

CONNECTION.

Introduction to Series & Parallel Connections

The use, application and importance of series and parallel circuit connection today cannot be
over emphasized. The application of series and parallel circuit connection can be evidently seen
in our homes, school halls and in our street lights. With the press of a button, all the Bobs in our
sitting rooms are turned on. some refer that the bobs in their homes should have different
switches.

Well, its not a magic when more than three electric bobs or loads are controlled by one switch. A
load is anything i.e. it could be an appliances, electric bobs or even ceiling fans that consumes
electrical energy when connected to a power supply. The electric bobs, televisions, refrigerators
etc can all be referred to as a load. The bobs convert electrical energy into light and heat form of
energy. Fans convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy.

The type of connection done to our ceiling fans, electric bobs will determine if they will have a
common switch or not. Series circuit connection gives us the opportunity to connect more than
two loads to a common switch. Street lights are a very good example of this. Parallel circuit
connection makes it possible for us to connect loads to their individual switch. Both series and
parallel circuit connection are good but one is mostly preferred over the other for one reason or
the other. Before we talk about the reason why parallel circuit connection is preferred over series
connection, lets recall what series and parallel connections are first.

SERIES CIRCUIT
A series circuit is a circuit in which resistors or loads are connected end to end so that the circuit
will have only one path through which electric current flows. Thus, when a number of resistors
are connected in series, the effective resistance (total resistance in the circuit) is gotten by adding
the individual resistance algebraically. That is to say, if we have resistors with resistance R1, R2,
R3 Rn connected in series, then;
Reff = RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + Rn.
In series connections, the same current flows across all the branches of the circuits, but different
voltage across it thus making the resistors to have different voltage across them. Each resistor or
load will experience a voltage drop. The applied voltage is equal to the sum of the voltage drop
across the different parts of the circuit. Voltage drop is proportional to the resistance current
being the same throughout the circuit. When loads are connected in series, the loads will tend to
have a common switch. This kind of connection is employed in school halls, street lights.

Uses & Application of Series Connection

Some people connect security lights in their homes in series which will make them to have
common switch. The problem with this kind of connection is that when a load develops a
problem, the other connected system will fail. Its an all or none type of circuit connection. Till a
load gets energy before it delivers it to the other and the one to deliver fails, there will be a black
out.
Series circuit connections are common and greatly employed in electrical equipments. The tube
filaments in small radios are usually in series. Current controlling devices are always connected
in series with the device that they protect. Fuses are connected in series with the device they
protect, Automatic house-heating equipment has a thermostat, electromagnetic coils, and safety
cut-outs connected in series with a voltage source etc.

PARALLEL CIRCUIT
Resistors, loads are said to be connected in parallel when the end of each of the resistors or loads
have a common point or junction and the other ends are also connected to a common point or
junction. Such circuits are known as parallel circuits.

Unlike the series circuit connection, when finding the total (effective) resistance in a parallel
circuit, the reciprocal of the individual resistance is taken. Thus, when a number of resistances
are connected in parallel, the reciprocal of the effective resistance is given by the arithmetic or
algebraic sum of the reciprocal of the individual resistance.
1/Reff or 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 1/Rn.
Parallel circuit connection have the same voltage flowing across all the branches of the circuits.
Different resistors have their individual currents.

Uses & Application of Parallel Connection

Parallel circuit connection is very common in use. Various lamps and electrical appliances in our
homes are connected in parallel so that each of the lamps or bobs and appliances can be operated
independently. For us to have control over the individual lamps or loads, they have to be wired in
parallel.

ADVANTAGE OF PARALLEL CIRCUIT CONNECTION OVER SERIES

CIRCUIT CONNECTION.
A series circuit connection is an all or none type of circuit connection. Meaning that if one of the
appliances fails, all the other appliances will also fail which is why this type of connection is
good
only
when
we
want
to
protect
a
device.

When a fuse
gets burnt for instance due to high current, then the appliance it protects will not be damaged
because current will no longer reach it. While series connection is an all or none, parallel circuit
connection gives you the opportunity to give the loads and the appliances their individual switch.
Parallel connection offers resistance to the flow of current compared to series connection.
A 100 ohms and a 150 ohms resistors connected in parallel will have less effect on electric
current compared to 50 ohms and 40 ohms resistors connected in series. In electronic devices,
parallel connection is paramount. The cells in a power bank are all connected in parallel. Parallel
connection makes electrical energy to last longer. The cells themselves have their internal
resistance, so if they were connected in series, some of the energy will be lost overcoming the
internal resistance since its effect is high when in series than when in parallel.

Resistor & Types of Resistors | Categorize via Fixed, Variable, Linear & NonLinear Resistors
Table of Contents [Hide]

Resistor & Types of Resistors | Categorize via Fixed, Variable, Linear & Non-Linear
Resistors
o Resistance:
o Resistor
o Symbols of Different Types of Resistors. IEEE & IEC symbols of Resistors
o Types of Resistors

1. Linear Resistors:

1. 1. Fixed Resistors

Types of Fixed resistors.

o 1. 1. 1) Carbon Composition Resistors

o 1. 1. 2) Wire wound Resistors
o 1. 1. 3) Thin Film Resistors
o 1. 1. 3. 1) Carbon Film Resistors
o 1. 1. 3. 2) Metal Film Resistors
o 1.1.4) Thick Film Resistors
o 1.1.4.1) Metal Oxide Resistors
o 1.1.4.2) Cermet Oxide Resistors
o 1.1.4.3) Fusible Resistors
o 1. 2) Variable Resistors
o 1.2.1) Potentiometers

o 1.2.2) Rheostats
o What is the main Difference between Potentiometer and Rheostats?
o 1.2.3) Trimmers
o 2. Non Linear Resistors
o 2.1) Thermisters
o 2.2) Varisters (VDR)
o 2.3) Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR (Light Dependent
Resistors)
o 2.4) SMD (Surface Mount Technology) Resistors

Application and Uses of Photo Resistors/Photo Conductive Cells or LDR

o Uses / Application of Resistors

Resistance:
The property of a substance which opposes the flow of electric current (or electricity) through it
is called Resistance OR Resistance is the ability of a circuit which opposes current.
Mica, Glass, Rubber, Wood etc. are the examples of resistive materials. The unit of resistance
is OHM () where 1 = 1V/1A. which is derived from the basic electrical Ohms law = V = IR.
Other
definitions
of
Ohm

are
as
follows;
If there is a potential difference of 1 volt between two ends of the conductor and the flowing
current through it is 1Ampere, then the resistance of that conductor would be 1 Ohm (). OR
If 1 ampere of current is flowing through a resistance, and 1 joule per second (1Watt) energy (in
the form of heat) is generated, then the measurement of that resistance is 1 .
Ohm is the measurement quantity of resistance, which produces one joule of energy (in the form
of heat) in one second, when one ampere of current is flowing through it.
The reciprocal of the resistance is called conductance.

Resistor
A resistor is a component or device designed to have a know value of resistance. OR,
Those components and devices which are specially designed to have a certain amount of
resistance and used to oppose or limit the electric current are called resistors.

Good to know: Resistance of a resistor depends on their length (l), resistivity () and its cross
sectional area (a) which is also known as laws of resistance R = (l/a) .
Symbols of Different Types of Resistors. IEEE & IEC symbols of Resistors

Resistors and Symbols of

Different Types of Resistors. IEEE & IEC symbols of Resistors

Types of Resistors
Resistors are available in different size, Shapes and materials. We will discuss all possible
resistor types one by one in detail with pro and cons and application/uses.

Different Types of
Resistor Chart/Tree.
There are two basic types of resistors.
1. Linear Resistors
2. Non Linear Resistors

1. Linear Resistors:
Those resistors, which values change with the applied voltage and temperature, are called linear
resistors. In other words, a resistor, which current value is directly proportional to the applied
voltage is known as linear resistors.
Generally, there are two types of resistors which have linear properties.
1.
1. 2. Variable Resistors

1.

Fixed

Resistors

1. 1. Fixed Resistors
As the name tells everything, fixed resistor is a resistor which has a specific value and we cant
change the value of fixed resistors.

Types of Fixed resistors.

1. Carbon Composition Resistors
2. Wire Wound Resistors
3. Thin Film Resistors
4. Thick Film Resistors

1. 1. 1) Carbon Composition Resistors

A typical fixed resistor is made from the mixture of granulated or powdered carbon or graphite,
insulation filler, or a resin binder. The ratio of the insulation material determines the actual
resistance of the resistor. The insulating powder (binder) made in the shape of rods and there are
two metal caps on the both ends of the rod.
There are two conductor wires on the both ends of the resistor for easy connectivity in the circuit
via soldering. A plastic coat covers the rods with different color codes (printed) which denote the
resistance value. They are available in 1 ohm to 25 mega ohms and in power rating from watt
to
up
to
5
Watts.

Carbon
Resistors.Construction and Wattage Rating

Composition

Characteristic
of
Fixed
Resistors
Generally, they are very cheap and small in size, hence, occupy less space. They are reliable and
available in different ohmic and power ratings. Also, fixed resistor can be easily connected to the
circuit and withstand for more voltage.
In other hand, they are less stable means their temperature coefficient is very high. Also, they
make a slight noise as compared to other types of resistors.

1. 1. 2) Wire wound Resistors

Wire wound resistor is made from the insulating core or rod by wrapping around a resistive wire.
The resistance wire is generally Tungsten, manganin, Nichrome or nickel or nickel chromium
alloy and the insulating core is made of porcelain, Bakelite, press bond paper or ceramic clay
material.
The manganin wire wound resistors are very costly and used with the sensitive test equipments
e.g. Wheatstone bridge, etc. They are available in the range of 2 watts up to 100 watt power
rating or more. The ohmic value of these types of resistors is 1 ohm up to 200k ohms or more
and can be operated safely up to 350C.
in addition, the power rating of a high power wire wound resistor is 500 Watts and the available
resistance
value
of
these
resistors
are
is
0.1
ohm
100k
Ohms.

Construction of Wire wound Resistors

Advantages
and
Disadvantage
of
Wire
wound
Resistors
Wire wound resistors make lower noise than carbon composition resistors. Their performance is
well in overload conditions. They are reliable and flexible and can be used with DC and Audio
frequency range. Disadvantage of wire wound resistor is that they are costly and cant be used in
high frequency equipments.
Application/Uses
of
Wire
Wound
Resistors
Wire wound resistors used where high sensitivity, accurate measurement and balanced current
control is required, e.g. as a shunt with ampere meter. Moreover, Wire wound resistors are
generally used in high power rating devices and equipments, Testing and measuring devices,
industries, and control equipments.

1. 1. 3) Thin Film Resistors

Basically, all thin film resistors are made of from high grid ceramic rod and a resistive material.
A very thin conducting material layer overlaid on insulating rod, plate or tube which is made
from high quality ceramic material or glass. There are two further types of thin film resistors.
1.
Carbon
2. Metal Film Resistors

Film

Resistors

1. 1. 3. 1) Carbon Film Resistors

Carbon Film resistors contains on an insulating material rod or core made of high grade ceramic
material which is called the substrate. A very thin resistive carbon layer or film overlaid around
the rod. These kinds of resistors are widely used in electronic circuits because of negligible noise
and wide operating range and the stability as compared to solid carbon resistors.

Construction
Resistors & Its labels.

1. 1. 3. 2) Metal Film Resistors

of

Carbon

Film

Metal film resistors are same in construction like Carbon film resistors, but the main difference is
that there is metal (or a mixture of the metal oxides, Nickel Chromium or mixture of metals and
glass which is called metal glaze which is used as resistive film) instead of carbon. Metal film
resistors are very tiny, cheap and reliable in operation. Their temperature coefficient is very low
(2 ppm/C) and used where stability and low noise level is important.

Metal Film Resistor. Construction

and name of internal parts.

1.1.4) Thick Film Resistors

The production method of Thick film resistors is same like thin film resistors, but the difference
is that there is a thick film instead of a thin film or layer of resistive material around. Thats why
it is called Thick film resistors. There are two additional types of thick film resistors.
1.
2.
3. Fusible Resistors

Metal
Cermet

Oxide
Film

Resistors
Resistors

1.1.4.1) Metal Oxide Resistors

By oxidizing a thick film of Tin Chloride on a heated glass rod (substrate) is the simple method
to make a Metal oxide Resistor. These resistors are available in a wide range of resistance with
high temperature stability. In addition, the level of operating noise is very low and can be used at
high voltages.

1.1.4.2) Cermet Oxide Resistors

In the cermet oxide resistors, the internal area contains on ceramic insulation materials. And then
a carbon or metal alloy film or layer wrapped around the resistor and then fix it in a ceramic
metal (which is known as Cermet). They are made in the square or rectangular shape and leads
and pins are under the resistors for easy installation in printed circuit boards. They provide a
stable operation in high temperature because their values do not change with change in

temperature.

Cermet Film Resistor Network Construction

1.1.4.3) Fusible Resistors

These kinds of resistors are same like a wire wound resistor. When a circuit power rating
increased than the specified value, then this resistor is fused, i.e. it breaks or open the circuit.
Thats why it is called Fusible resistors. Fusible restores perform double jobs means they limit
the current as well as it can be used as a fuse.
They used widely in TV Sets, Amplifiers, and other expensive electronic circuits. Generally, the
ohmic value of fusible resistors is less than 10 Ohms.

1. 2) Variable Resistors
As the name indicates, those resistors which values can be changed through a dial, knob, and
screw or manually by a proper method. In these types of resistors, there is a sliding arm, which is
connected to the shaft and the value of resistance can be changed by rotating the arm. They are
used in the radio receiver for volume control and tone control resistance.
Following are the further types of Variable Resistors
1.
2.
3. Trimmers

1.2.1) Potentiometers

Potentiometers
Rheostats

Potentiometer is a three terminal device which is used for controlling the level of voltage in the
circuit. The resistance between two external terminals is constant while the third terminal is
connected with moving contact (Wiper) which is variable. The value of resistance can be
changed by rotating the wiper which is connected to the control shaft.

Pot
entiometer Construction
This way, Potentiometers can be used as a voltage divider and these resistors are called variable
composition
resistors.
They
are
available
up
to
10
Mega
Ohms.

Different

Types

of

Potentiometers

1.2.2) Rheostats
Rheostats are a two or three terminal device which is used for the current limiting purpose by
hand or manual operation. Rheostats are also known as tapped resistors or variable wire wound
resistors.

Types of Rheostats resistor and

construction of Screw Drive Rheostat
To make a rheostats, they wire wind the Nichrome resistance around a ceramic core and then
assembled in a protective shell. A metal band is wrapped around the resistor element and it can
be used as a Potentiometer or Rheostats (See the below note for difference between Rheostat and

Potentiometer).

Construction of Tapped Rheostat

Variable wire wound resistors are available in the range of 1 ohm up to 150 Ohms. The available
power rating of these resistors is 3 to 200 Watts. While the most used Rheostats according to
power
rating
is
between
5
to
50
Watts.

Wirewound
Construction

Rheostat

Good to Know:
What is the main Difference between Potentiometer and Rheostats?
Basically, there is no difference between Potentiometer and Rheostat. Both are variable resistors.
The main difference is the use and circuit operation, i.e. for which purpose we use that variable
resistor?
For example, if we connect a circuit between resistor element terminals (where one terminal is a
general end of the resistor element while the other one is sliding contact or wiper) as a variable
resistor for controlling the circuit current, then it is Rheostats.
In the other hand, if we do the same as mentioned above for controlling the level of voltage, then
this variable resistor would be called a potentiometer. Thats it.

1.2.3) Trimmers
There is an additional screw with Potentiometer or variable resistors for better efficiency and
operation and they are known as Trimmers. The value of resistance can be changed by changing
the
position
of
screw
to
rotate
by
a
small
screwdriver.

Different
Types
Trimmer potentiometer Resistor construction

of

Construction
of
Trimmers.

They are made from carbon composition, carbon film, cermet and wire materials and available in
the range of 50 Ohms up to 5 mega ohms. The power rating of Trimmers potentiometers are from
1/3 to Watts.

2. Non Linear Resistors

We know that, nonlinear resistors are those resistors, where the current flowing through it does
not change according to Ohms Law but, changes with change in temperature or applied voltage.
In addition, if the flowing current through a resistor changes with change in body temperature,
then these kinds of resistors are called Thermisters. If the flowing current through a resistor

change with the applied voltages, then it is called a Varistors or VDR (Voltage Dependent
Resistors).
Following are the additional types of Non Linear Resistors.
1.
2.
Varisters
3. Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR

Thermisters
(VDR)

2.1) Thermisters
Thermisters is a two terminal device which is very sensitive to temperature. In other words,
Thermisters is a type of variable resistor which notices the change in temperature. Thermisters
are made from the cobalt, Nickel, Strontium and the metal oxides of Manganese. The Resistance
of a Thermister is inversely proportional to the temperature, i.e. resistance increases when
temperature
decrease
and
vice
versa.

Types of Thermisters & Its

Construction
It means, Thermisteres has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) but there is also a PTC
(Positive Temperature Coefficient) which a made from pid barium titanate semiconductor
materials and their resistance increases when increases in temperature.

2.2) Varisters (VDR)

Varisters are voltage dependent Resistors (VDR) which is used to eliminate the high voltage
transients. In other words, a special type of variable resistors used to protect circuits from
destructive
voltage
spikes
is
called
varisters.
When voltage increases (due to lighting or line faults) across a connected sensitive device or

system, then it reduces the level of voltage to a secure level i.e. it changes the level of voltages.

Types of Varisters

2.3) Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell or LDR (Light Dependent

Resistors)
Photo Resistor or LDR (Light Dependent Resistors) is a resistor which terminal value of
resistance changes with light intensity. In other words, those resistors, which resistance values
changes with the falling light on their surface is called Photo Resistor or Photo Conductive Cell
or LDR (Light Dependent Resistor). The material which is used to make these kinds of resistors
is
called
photo
conductors,
e.g.
cadmium
sulfide,
lead
sulfide
etc.

Construction

of

LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), Photo-resistor or photo conductive cell

When light falls on the photoconductive cells (LDR or Photo resistor), then there is an increase
in the free carriers (electron hole pairs) due to light energy, which reduce the resistance of
semiconductor material (i.e. the quantity of light energy is inversely proportional to the
semiconductor material). It means photo resistors have a negative temperature coefficient.

Types of Photo cells, and

LDR

2.4) SMD (Surface Mount Technology) Resistors

You can read about SMD Resistor with color coding methods.

Application and Uses of Photo Resistors/Photo Conductive Cells or LDR

These types of resistors are used in burglar alarm, Door Openers, Flame detectors, Smock
detectors, light meters, light activated relay control circuits, industrial, and commercial automatic
street light control and photographic devices and equipments.
Uses / Application of Resistors
Practically, both types of resistors (Fixed and Variable) are generally used for the following
purposes.
Resistors are used:
I. For Current control and limiting
II. To change electrical energy in the form of heat energy
III. As a shunt in Ampere meters
IV. As a multiplier in a Voltmeter
V. To control temperature
VI. To control voltage or Drop
VII. For protection purposes, e.g. Fusible Resistors
VIII. In laboratories
IX. In home electrical appliances like heater, iron, immersion rod etc.
X. Widely used in the electronics industries

Electrical Network
Combination of different electric elements or components which are
connected in any way is called electric network
Complex Networks
A Circuit which contains on many electrical elements such as resistors,
capacitors, inductors, current sources and Voltage source (both AC and DC) is
called Complex network. These kinds of networks cant be solved easily by
simple ohms Law or Kirchhoffs laws. I.e. we solve these circuits by specific
technique i.e. Nortons Theorem, Thevenins Theorem, Superposition
theorem etc.
Circuit or Electric Circuit
Circuit is a close loop path giving a return path for the current. Or a close
conducting path in which current can flow is called circuit
Click image to enlarge

Types of Electric Circuits

There are many types of electrical circuits. Here we will briefly discuss one
by one.
Series circuit = in this circuits, all the electrical elements (Voltage or
Current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors etc) are connected in series
i.e. There is only one path for traveling electricity and no other branches
consist in this circuit.
Parallel circuits = in this circuits, all the electrical elements (Voltage or
Current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors etc) are connected in parallel
i.e. There are many paths for traveling electricity and the minimum
branches in this circuit are two.

Series-parallel circuits = if circuit elements are series connected in some

parts and parallel in others, that would be a series-parallel circuit. In other
words, this is a combination of series and parallel circuits.
Star-Delta Circuits
Star-Delta Circuit = this is not series or parallel nor series-parallel circuit.
In this circuit, electrical elements are connected such a way that undefined in
term of Series, parallel or Series Parallel configuration. These kinds of circuits
can be solved by Star Delta Transform or Delta Star transformation.
Following are more derived circuits of the Series, parallel, and Series-parallel
circuits

Pure Resistive Circuit

Pure Inductive Circuit

Pure Capacitive Circuit

Resistive, Inductive Circuit i.e. RL Circuit (Series & Parallel)

Resistive, Capacitive Circuit i.e. RC Circuit (Series & Parallel)

Capacitive, Inductive Circuits i.e. LC Circuits (Series and Parallel)

Resistive, Inductive, Capacitive Circuit RLC Circuit (Series & Parallel)

These all circuits are shown in below image.

Click image to enlarge

In the above circuits, all the above mentioned components or elements may
be connected in series, parallel, or in series-parallel configuration.
Lets go to discuss some more electric circuits which you must know before
starting to analyze an Electric circuit or network.
Linear circuit
A linear circuit is an electric circuit in which circuit parameters (Resistance,
inductance, capacitance, waveform, frequency etc) are constant. In other
words, a circuit whose parameters are not changed with respect to Current
and Voltage is called Linear Circuit.

Non linear circuits

A nonlinear circuit is an electric circuit whose parameters are varied with
respect to Current and Voltage. In other words, an electric circuit in which
circuit parameters (Resistance, inductance, capacitance, waveform,
frequency etc) is not constant, is called Non Linear Circuit.
Unilateral circuits
In unilateral circuits, the property of circuit changes with the change of
direction of supply voltage or current. In other words, unilateral circuit allows
the current to flow only in one direction. Diode rectifier is the best example
of unilateral circuit because it does not perform the rectification in both
direction of supply.
Bi-lateral circuits
In bilateral circuits, the property of circuit does not change with the change
of direction of supply voltage or current. In other words, bilateral circuit
allows the current to flow in both directions. Transmission line is the best
example of bilateral circuit because, if you give supply from any direction,
the circuit properties remain constant

Circuits Parameters or Constants and related terms

Different components or elements which use in Electric Circuits are called

circuits parameters or constants i.e. resistance, capacitance, inductance,
frequency etc. These parameters can be lumped or distributed.
Active Circuit
A circuit which contains on one or more E.MF (Electro motive force) sources
is called Active Circuit
Passive Circuit
A circuit, in which no one EMF source exist is called Passive Circuit
Other important related terms to Electric Circuits and Networks
Node
A point or junction where two or more circuits elements (resistor, capacitor,
inductor etc) meet is called Node
Branch
That part or section of circuit which locate between two junctions is called
branch
In branch, one or more elements can be connected and they have two
terminals.
Loop
A closed path in circuit where more than two meshes can be occurred is
called loop i.e. there may be many meshes in a loop, but a mesh does not
contain on one loop.
Mesh
A closed loop which contains no other loop within it or a path which does not
contain on other paths is called Mesh.

We use different theorems to solve complex networks. Generally, Complex

network can be solved by the following two methods (which we will discuss
later)
Direct method
Equivalent Circuit Method
(We will discuss these two methods latter)

The Main Difference between Linear and Nonlinear Circuit

The Main Difference between Linear and Nonlinear Circuit

o Linear Circuit
o Examples of Liner Circuits and Linear Elements
o Non Linear Circuit
o Examples of Non-Liner Circuits and Non Linear Elements
o Solving Linear and Nonlinear Circuits

Linear Circuit
In simple words, a linear circuit is an electric circuit in which circuit parameters (Resistance,
inductance, capacitance, waveform, frequency etc) are constant. In other words, a circuit whose
parameters are not changed with respect to Current and Voltage is called Linear Circuit.
Fundamentally, the word linear literally means along with a straight line. As the name tells
everything, a linear circuit means linear characteristics in between Current and Voltage, which
means, current flowing through a circuit is directly proportional to the applied Voltage.
If we increase the applied voltage, then the current flowing through the circuit will also increase,
and vice versa. If we draw the circuit output characteristic curve in between Current and Voltage,
it will look like a straight line (Diagonal) as shown in fig (1).
Refer to Ohms Law, where we recognize that:
If the applied voltage increases, then Current also increases (where resistance remains same).
But this is not always the case. Thats why we use P=VxI instead of V=IxR (in Transformer)
In other words,
In a linear circuit, the output response of the circuit is directly proportional to the input. Simple
Explanation of the above statement is,
in an electric circuit, in which the applied sinusoidal voltage having frequency f, the output
(Current through a component or Voltage between two points) of that circuit is also sinusoidal
having frequency f.

Linear Circuit and its

characteristic curve is shown in below fig (1).

Examples of Liner Circuits and Linear Elements

Resistance and Resistive Circuit

Inductor and Inductive Circuits

Capacitor and Capacitive Circuits

Non Linear Circuit

A nonlinear circuit is an electric circuit whose parameters are varied with respect to Current and
Voltage. In other words, an electric circuit in which circuit parameters (Resistance, inductance,
capacitance, waveform, frequency etc) is not constant, is called Non Linear Circuit.
If we draw the circuit output characteristic curve in between Current and Voltage, it will look like
a curved or bending line as shown in fig (2).

Non Linear Circuit and its characteristic curve are shown in below fig (2).

Examples of Non-Liner Circuits and Non Linear Elements

Diode

Transistor

Transformer

Iron Core

inductor (when the core is saturated)

and any circuit composed exclusively of ideal Diode,

Transistor

Transformer

and Iron Core inductor is called Non linear circuit.

Solving Linear and Nonlinear Circuits

Solving of a nonlinear circuit is a little bit complex then linear circuits. Linear circuit can be
solved with simple techniques and scientific calculator. While solving Non linear circuits, a lot of
data and information is required.
But nowadays, due to aggressive technological changes and Modernization, we can simulate and
analyze, with output curves both linear and non linear circuits very easily with the help of circuit
simulation tools like PSpice , MATLAB, Multisim etc.

Difference between Unilateral and Bi-Lateral

Circuits & Elements
Unilateral circuits
In unilateral circuits, the property of circuit changes with the change of
direction of supply voltage or current. In other words, unilateral circuit allows
the current to flow only in one direction. Diode rectifier is the best example
of unilateral circuit because it does not perform the rectification in both
direction of supply.
Bi-lateral circuits
In bilateral circuits, the property of circuit does not change with the change
of direction of supply voltage or current. In other words, bilateral circuit
allows the current to flow in both directions. Transmission line is the best
example of bilateral circuit because, if you give supply from any direction,
the circuit properties remain constant
Click image to enlarge

How to determine the number of Nodes,

Branches, Loops and Meshes in a Circuit?
Solving and analyzing electrical circuits and networks, you must know about
Nodes, Branches, Loops and Meshes. So we are here with a simple tutorial
ever to find all these terms in electric circuits.
Node
A point or junction where two or more circuits elements (resistor, capacitor,
inductor etc) meet is called Node
Branch
That part or section of circuit which locate between two junctions is called
branch
In branch, one or more elements can be connected and they have two
terminals.
Loop
A closed path in circuit where more than two meshes can be occurred is
called loop i.e. there may be many meshes in a loop, but a mesh does not
contain on one loop.
Mesh
A closed loop which contains no other loop within it or a path which does not
contain on other paths is called Mesh.
Lets make it easier.
Now will find all these terms one by one with the following simple steps
Consider the following Simple Electric Circuit which contains on 7
components or elements

1. Finding Nodes in Electric Circuits

After redrawing the above circuit, it becomes as below circuit, now you can
easily find the total number of Nodes as shown in fig below

2. Finding Branches in Electric Circuits

3. Finding Loops in Electric Circuits

4. Finding Meshes in Electric circuits

5. Over all circuit with 6 Nodes, 7 Branches, 3 Loops and 2 Meshes

The Main Difference between Active and Passive Components

Active and Passive Commonest (Very Easy Explanation with Examples)
Active Components:
Those devices or components which required external source to their operation is called Active
Components.
For Example: Diode, Transistors, SCR etc
Explanation and Example: As we know that Diode is an Active Components. So it is required
an External Source to its operation.
Because, If we connect a Diode in a Circuit and then connect this circuit to the Supply voltage.,
then Diode will not conduct the current Until the supply voltage reach to 0.3(In case of

Germanium) or 0.7V(In case of Silicon). I think you got it

Passive Components:
Those devices or components which do not required external source to their operation is called
Passive Components.
For Example: Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor etc
Explanation and Example: Passive Components do not require external source to their
operation.
Like a Diode, Resistor does not require 0.3 0r 0.7 V. I.e., when we connect a resistor to the
supply voltage, it starts work automatically without using a specific voltage. If you understood

the above statement about active Components, then you will easily get this example.

In other words:
Active Components:
Those devices or components which produce energy in the form of Voltage or Current are called
as Active Components
For Example: Diodes Transistors SCR etc
Passive Components:
Those devices or components which store or maintain Energy in the form of Voltage or Current
are known as Passive Components
For Example: Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor etc
In very Simple words;
Active Components: Energy Donor
Passive Components: Energy Acceptor
Also Passive Components are in linear and Active Components are in non linear category.