Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
R = Resistance (ohms)
Cell
Lamp
Switch
Wires
Schematic Symbols
Before you begin to understand circuits you need to be able to draw what they look
like using a set of standard symbols understood anywhere in the world.
DC voltage source or battery schematic symbol. Specify
For the battery symbol, the LONG line is
voltage amplitude. An arrow through the symbol denotes a
variable voltage source (you must set the value manually). considered to be the POSITIVE terminal
and the SHORT line , NEGATIVE.
Resistance must be specified. An arrow through the symbol The VOLTMETER and AMMETER are
denotes a variable resistor (you set the value manually). special devices you place IN or AROUND
the circuit to measure the VOLTAGE and
Switch CURRENT.
Voltmeter
Battery
Ammeter
Light Bulb
Simple Circuits
V1 V2 V3
V( series )Total = V1 + V2 + V3 ; ∆V = IR As the current goes through the circuit, the charges
( I T RT ) series = I1 R1 + I 2 R2 + I 3 R3 must USE ENERGY to get through the resistor. So each
Rseries = R1 + R2 + R3
individual resistor will get its own individual potential
voltage). We call this VOLTAGE DROP.
Rs = ∑ Ri
Note: The term “effective” or “equivalent” can be also used to refer to Total resistance!
Parallel Circuit
In a parallel circuit, we have multiple loops. So the current splits up among the
loops with the individual loop currents adding to the total current.
I1 I2 I3
V1 V2 V3
R1 R2 R3
V( parallel )Total = V1 = V2 = V3
I ( parallel )Total = I1 + I 2 + I 3 ; ∆V = IR
VT V V V
( ) Parallel = 1 + 2 + 3
RT R1 R2 R3
I ( parallel )Total = I1 + I 2 + I 3 1
=
1
+
1
+
1
RP R1 R2 R3
Regarding Junctions :
1 1
=∑
I IN = I OUT RP Ri
Measuring Current
Electric current is measured in amps (A) using an ammeter connected in series
in the circuit.
A
Measuring Current
This is how we draw an ammeter in a circuit.
A
A
V
Measuring Voltage
This is how we draw a voltmeter in a circuit.
V V
Series Circuit
Voltage Current Resistance
Parallel Circuit
Voltage Current Resistance
Measuring Current
SERIES CIRCUIT PARALLEL CIRCUIT
• Current is the same at all points • current is shared between the
in the circuit. components
2A 2A
2A 2A
1A
2A
1A
Fill in the missing ammeter readings:
3A 3A
4A
1A
4A
1A
4A
1A
Series Circuits
Explain what happens to the current in a series circuit when there is a break in
circuit.
Explain what happens to the voltage across each bulb as more bulbs are added
to the circuit.
The voltage decreases because the current is decreased and the resistance
increases.
Parallel Circuits
Explain what happens to the current in each bulb as more bulbs are added to
the circuit.
The current increases. Voltage remains the same and total resistance drops in a parallel
circuit as more bulbs are added.
Series and Parallel Circuits
Series Circuits
only one end of each component is connected
e.g. Christmas tree lights
Parallel Circuits
both ends of a component are connected
e.g. Household lighting
Circuit in diagram form
Filament
Battery
Current
Bulb
Electron flow
In a closed circuit, current flows
around the loop Current flowing through the filament
electrons flow opposite the indicated current makes it glow.
direction! (repelled by negative terminal) No Loop → No Current → No Light
Copy the following circuits and fill in the missing ammeter readings:
3A 3A
4A
1A
4A
1A
4A
1A
Measuring Voltage
Different cells produce different voltages. The bigger the voltage supplied by
the cell, the bigger the current.
Scientist usually use the term Potential Difference (pd) when they talk about
voltage.
Measuring Voltage
V V
V
Series Circuit
3V
1.5V 1.5V
Parallel Circuit
3V
3V
3V
Measuring Current & Voltage
Remember the rules for current and voltage in series and parallel
circuits.
Measuring Current & Voltage
A)
6V
4A A
V V
A
Measuring Current & Voltage
B)
6V
4A A
V
A
Answers
A) B)
6V 6V
4A A
4A A
V
A
V V
V
A
A
Voltage, Current, and Power
• One Amp of current is one Coulomb per second (6.24 x10^18 electrons/second).
• Electrical power is :
P = VI: power = voltage × current
• If I have one volt (J/C) and one amp (C/s), then multiplying them gives one Joules per
second (J/s)
• More work is done per unit time the higher the voltage and/or the higher the current
DC Current
• Direct current is the one way flow of electrical charge from a positive to a negative
charge.
• Batteries produce direct current.
• Direct Current is different than alternating current because the charge only flows in
one direction.
Alternating Current
• Alternating Current is when charges flow back and forth from a source.
• An AC current is a current that changes direction in time.
• It is the way we receive our electricity (for our houses, businesses, etc.)
Comparison Chart
Direct Current Alternating Current
Amount of energy that can Voltage of DC cannot travel very far until it Safe to transfer over longer city distances and can provide
be carried: begins to lose energy. more power.
Frequency: The frequency of direct current is zero. The frequency of alternating current is 50Hz or
60Hz depending upon the country.
Direction: It flows in one direction in the circuit. It reverses its direction while flowing in a circuit.
Current: It is the current of constant magnitude. It is the current of magnitude varying with time
Flow of Electrons: Electrons move steadily in one direction or Electrons keep switching directions - forward and backward.
'forward'.
Obtained from: Cell or Battery. A.C Generator and mains.
Passive Parameters: Resistance only Impedance.
Types: Pure and pulsating. Sinusoidal, Trapezoidal, Triangular, Square.