Simple Circuits

What is a circuit? A circuit is a pathway or route that an electric current takes and
travels on. A circuit allows electricity to flow through and is composed of numerous
electronic components. However, a simple circuit requires only three components; a
source of voltage(e.g. battery), a pathway(e.g. wire) and a resistor.

A 2D, scientific diagram of a simple

circuit. The circuit contains three
components: A source of
voltage(battery) a pathway(wire)
and a resistor(bulb).

How do simple circuits work? Simple circuits are in some ways similar to our
circulatory system. In a circuit, a battery or generator produces voltage, which is the
driving force of the circuit. Similarly, our heart pumps out blood which is the driving
force of our body. For example, take the circuit of a bulb. The battery produces
voltage and circulates it around the circuit, causing a strong electrical current and
passes through the light bulb (the resistor) and turns back to the battery source.
When this happens, a circuit is created. When the current passes through the bulb it
glows, as it has received energy.

An image representing how the

battery produces voltage, which
circulates around the circuit,
causing the lamp to glow.

How does electricity flow through a circuit? For electricity to flow through a circuit,
there must be a source of voltage, such as a battery or generator. An electric current
is a flow of electric charge and is usually carried by moving electrons in a wire. These
electrons will continue to move along the circuit until the source of voltage becomes
damaged or broken. If this happens, there will be no flow of current through a circuit
meaning that the device will not receive energy. Electrons flow out of the negative
terminal of the battery, through the circuit and go back into the positive terminal of
the battery.

An image showing the current flow

through a circuit and how the flow
of electrons can cause a device to
work.

What is the role of current, amperes and resistance in a circuit?

Current has a very important role in a circuit. Current is the electric flow through a
circuit which is originated from the voltage source and allows the device to work.

An ampere is the measure of actual current flowing through a circuit after it has
passed through the resistor. Whilst current is the measure of the number of electrons
passing through a circuit, amperes allow us to measure the rate of electron flow.

Resistors are a very significant component in a circuit and their presence can help
avoid damages and breakages. The main function of a resistor is to limit and control
the flow of current to other components. For example, if there is a circuit which has a
LED light, and the current flow is so high that the light can break, a resistor can
control that current flow to prevent the LED light from breaking. They can also
prevent overheating, adjust signal levels and divide voltages.