However, all circuits can be distilled down to three basic elements:
- Voltage source: A voltage source causes current to flow like a battery, for instance.
- Load: The load consumes power; it represents the actual work done by the circuit. Without the load, there's not much point in having a circuit. The load can be as simple as a single light bulb. ...
- Conductive path: The conductive path provides a route through which current flows. ...
Full Answer
What does a battery do to a circuit?
How do fluorescent lights produce light?
Why is gold used in electronics?
What is Ohm's law?
Why does the heart push blood through blood vessels?
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About this website
How does a circuit work simple explanation?
An electrical circuit is composed of a source of electrical power, two wires that can carry electric current, and a light bulb. One end of both the wires is attached to the terminal of a cell while their free ends are connected to the light bulb. The electrical circuit is broken when the bulb is switched off.
How does an electrical circuit work step by step?
0:072:26Explaining an Electrical Circuit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe electrons continue down another small wire inside the bulb to another conductor on the base ofMoreThe electrons continue down another small wire inside the bulb to another conductor on the base of the bulb. The electrons finally make their way to the positive side of the battery.
What is a circuit explained to kids?
A circuit is a device made of other, smaller electrical devices that can move the flow of electricity through itself to power larger devices. Every complete circuit must have a power supply. The power supply could be the mains, or it could be a battery.
What are circuits in simple words?
In electronics, a circuit is a complete circular path that electricity flows through. A simple circuit consists of a current source, conductors and a load. The term circuit can be used in a general sense to refer to any fixed path that electricity, data or a signal can travel through.
What makes a circuit open?
An open circuit is one where the continuity has been broken by an interruption in the path for current to flow. A closed circuit is one that is complete, with good continuity throughout.
In what way does electricity flow?
Electricity flows in a closed circle, called a circuit. To reach our homes, electricity travels from power stations, through transmission lines and distribution lines, until it flows into the wires that power our devices.
How do you explain voltage and current to a child?
Voltage is the force that pushes electrons through a circuit to produce electricity. Current is the act of the electrons flowing through the circuit.
What is a circuit Grade 6?
Electricity is the flow of electrical energy, and a circuit is the path that allows the electricity to flow. Electrical circuits can contain different components, which can be used to regulate the flow of electrical energy.
What are the 4 basic components of a circuit?
In general, a circuit has the following components: A cell or battery: source of electricity. Connecting wires: Act as conductor to flow electric current. Key or switch to control the circuit. Bulb or electric device act as a load to the circuit.
What is the purpose of a circuit?
A circuit is the closed loop through which electricity can flow. A closed circuit allows an uninterrupted flow of electricity from the source of power, through the conductor or wire, to the load, and then back again to the ground or source of power.
Which best define a circuit?
1. The definition of a circuit is a closed path or a line forming a boundary. An example of circuit is the wires made up of conductors and other components that allow for electricity to travel on wires.
What three things does a circuit need?
Every circuit is comprised of three major components:a conductive "path," such as wire, or printed etches on a circuit board;a "source" of electrical power, such as a battery or household wall outlet, and,a "load" that needs electrical power to operate, such as a lamp.
How do electrical circuits work for kids?
An electric circuit has to have a power source, wires for the electricity to flow through, and a device such as a lamp or a motor that uses the electric current. All of these parts must be connected so that the current continues to flow. For small portable devices such as flashlights, a battery supplies the power.
What are the five parts of a basic electrical circuit?
The following common components are used in most printed circuit boards:Resistors. Resistors control the electric currents that pass through them, as well as the voltage in each component connected to them. ... Transistors. ... Capacitors. ... Inductors. ... Diodes.
What are the steps in making a series circuit?
Steps To Make Series CircuitStep 1: Take 3 LED bulbs and connect them in a series connection to split the voltage. ... Step 2: Connect the wire of the battery's connector with the negative terminal of one LED bulb.Step 3: Now connect the red wire with the positive terminal of the LED.More items...•
How does electricity operate?
Electricity is a secondary energy source created at an atomic level thanks to the attraction of protons and electrons. It's generated when we move electrons around. When we move that energy down conductive wires, the electricity travels into our homes and businesses.
What are the types of circuit breakers?
The three main types of circuit breakers are standard, GFCI, and AFCI — all have different amp capacities and operate in different parts in the hom...
How much does it cost to replace a circuit breaker panel?
According to Home Guide , the average cost to replace a breaker box is $1,475. A low-amp subpanel costs up to $1,000, a 200-amp panel upgrade runs...
What is a circuit breaker?
Circuit breakers are essentially resettable fuses that are automatically operated electrical switches that cut off the circuit whenever the current...
Do circuit breakers need to be the same brand as the panel?
In many cases, one brand of breaker can fit in another brand of panel, but that doesn't mean that you should use them interchangeably. Always insta...
Is a fuse or circuit breaker better?
Both have pros and cons associated with them. A fuse is generally more cost-effective and is considered to be more reliable, as it does have any mo...
Step 1: Get An Overview of The Basics
The first step to take, is to get a simple understanding of the basic concepts in electronics for beginners.
Step 2: Start Building Circuits
If you would like to learn public speaking – what do you think is the best way to do it? Study it or actually do it? I think you would agree that y...
Step 3: Get An Understanding of Microcontrollers
Now that you have built some circuits and gotten your ears wet, it’s time to learn about microcontrollers. They are one of the most useful tools in...
Step 4: Start A Project You Are Passionate About
Now the REAL fun begins!Take on a project that you feel inspired by. Something you think would be really cool to make. By doing this, you will meet...
Step 5: Take It to The Next Level
Now that you have built your first project, it’s time to take your skill level to the next level. It’s time to learn to design your own circuit boa...
What does a battery do to a circuit?
Just as your heart produces the pressure to make blood circulate, a battery or generator produces the pressure or force to push electrons around a circuit. Voltage is the force and is measured in volts (V).
How do fluorescent lights produce light?
Fluorescent lights produce light by having electrons pass through a tube filled with mercury vapor and neon or argon gas. As the electrons bump into the mercury atoms, they cause electrons in the atoms to absorb some of their energy. As these electrons return to their normal state, they radiate bundles of light energy called photons. Fluorescent lights are four to five times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Why is gold used in electronics?
Gold, because of its resistance to corrosion, is often used for attaching wires to tiny electronic chips. In an incandescent bulb, the current flows through a thin tungsten wire or a metallic filament that offers high resistance to current flow.
What is Ohm's law?
Ohm's Law can be written as R = V/I. Electric circuits are composed of wires and other components -- like light bulbs, transistors, computer chips and motors. Wires, made of metals called conductors that have a low resistance to current, connect the components.
Why does the heart push blood through blood vessels?
Some of the pressure produced by your heart is just for pushing blood through blood vessels. As electrons move through wires , they bump into atoms. This impedes the flow of the electrons. The wire offers resistance to the flow of the current.
Why is a circuit breaker important?
Whenever electrical wiring in a building has too much current flowing through it, these simple machines cut the power until somebody can fix the problem. Without circuit breakers (or the alternative, fuses ), ...
What are the attributes of a circuit breaker?
To understand circuit breakers, it helps to know how household electricity works. Electricity is defined by three major attributes: Voltage. Current. Resistance.
How does a bimetallic strip work?
A bimetallic strip design works on the same principle, except that instead of energizing an electromagnet, the high current bends a thin strip to move the linkage. Some circuit breakers use an explosive charge to throw the switch.
Why would electricity be impractical without a circuit breaker?
Without circuit breakers (or the alternative, fuses ), household electricity would be impractical because of the potential for fires and other mayhem resulting from simple wiring problems and equipment failures.
What happens when you put a hot wire in the ground?
When the hot wire is connected directly to ground, there is minimal resistance in the circuit, so the voltage pushes a huge amount of charge through the wire. If this continues, the wires can overheat and start a fire.
Why do fuses burn up?
The fuse is designed to disintegrate when it heats up above a certain level -- if the current climbs too high , it burns up the wire. Destroying the fuse opens the circuit before the excess current can damage the building wiring. The problem with fuses is they only work once.
What is the purpose of electrical resistance in a circuit?
In this way, the electrical resistance in appliances limits how much charge can flow through a circuit (with a constant voltage and a constant resistance, the current must also be constant). Appliances are designed to keep current at a relatively low level for safety purposes. Too much charge flowing through a circuit at a particular time would heat the appliance's wires and the building's wiring to unsafe levels, possibly causing a fire.
Why does no current flow across the junction?
No current flows across the junction because the holes and the electrons are each moving in the wrong direction.
What are the elements that make up a semiconductor?
Semiconductors can be pure elements, including silicon, carbon, and germanium, or conductors doped (mixing a small amount of an impurity in) with phosphorus or arsenic (N-type doping) or boron or gallium (P-type doping).
How many electrons does silicon have?
Carbon, silicon and germanium (germanium, like silicon, is also a semiconductor) have a unique property in their electron structure -- each has four electrons in its outer orbital. This allows them to form nice crystals. The four electrons form perfect covalent bonds with four neighboring atoms, creating a lattice.
What is a diode?
Advertisement. A diode is the simplest possible semiconductor device, and is therefore an excellent beginning point if you want to understand how semiconductors work. In this article, you'll learn what a semiconductor is, how doping works and how a diode can be created using semiconductors. But first, let's take a close look at silicon.
How to change silicon behavior?
You can change the behavior of silicon and turn it into a conductor by doping it. In doping, you mix a small amount of an impurity into the silicon crystal.
What happens when you put N-type and P-type silicon together?
N-type and P-type silicon are not that amazing by themselves; but when you put them together, you get some very interesting behavior at the junction. That's what happens in a diode. A diode is the simplest possible semiconductor device. A diode allows current to flow in one direction but not the other.
What is the heart of electronic devices?
Anything that's computerized or uses radio waves depends on semiconductors. Today, most semiconductor chips and transistors are created with silicon. You may have heard expressions like "Silicon Valley" and the "silicon economy," and that's why -- silicon is the heart of any electronic device. Advertisement.
What club do you learn to design circuit boards?
Designing your own circuit boards is one of the many skills you’ll learn in my electronics learner’s club Ohmify.
How to learn electronics?
So as soon as possible, start building circuits. This is the number one thing to do if you want to learn electronics. The easiest way to start is by building kits. You’ll get the board and all the components in one package. All you need to do is follow the instructions.
What is schematic diagram?
Schematics. Schematic diagrams are like recipes for electronics. They tell you exactly how to connect the components to make a certain circuit. There are a gazillion schematic diagrams on the internet. So without knowing any theory, you can actually build some pretty advanced circuits.
Is electronics hard to learn?
Electronics for beginners is a topic I love. There are too many people out there trying to preach that electronics is hard. Of course it takes time to become an expert. But you can start having fun, and build useful things pretty much right away. And it’s easy!
How Does a Cricut Work?
Whether you have a Cricut Maker or Cricut Maker 3, a Cricut Explore Air 2 or a Cricut Explore 3, your imagination is your only limit! While some Cricut machines have more features than others, ALL of them can cut, write, and score over 100 materials.
How to connect a Cricut to a computer?
Connect the square end of the USB cord into the back of your Cricut, and the other into your computer. Then, plug in the power adapter into the Cricut, and into the wall. Turn on the machine! On your computer, open up your web browser. Go to the Cricut Setup Website and click on the Cricut machine you own.
What is the cricut design space?
Cricut Design Space is the main app you will be using for everything from downloading pre-made designs, creating your own designs, and sending designs to your Cricut so they can be cut. It will quickly become your best friend and the key to your creativity.
Why is my Cricut mat not good?
This is not good because your mat will lose its stickiness, and not have the required grip for your material you are trying to cut.
What can a Cricut machine cut?
Cricut machines can cut through a wide variety of materials including cardstock, paper, vinyl, iron-on, fabrics, and textiles, just to name a few. You can even cut through items like soda cans, adhesive foil, corkboard, and washi tape.
What do you need for a Cricut Explore Air 2?
In the box, you should have the machine itself, power cord, USB cord, Start Here Packet, 12″ x 12″ LightGrip cutting mat, a Cricut pen, and a few materials for a test cut. You may have a few additional items if you purchased a bundle. The Cricut Maker also includes the Rotary Wheel and the 12″ x 12″ FabricGrip mat.
What material can you cut with a cricut?
My favorite material to cut with my Cricut has to be vinyl. It is incredibly easy to use! You can use it to make SO many things such as signs, stickers, decals, wall graphics, and more, but the most popular application with vinyl is cutting fonts. You can personalize so many spaces and objects with vinyl lettering, and the Cricut makes it very easy to create your own.
What are the different cricut machines?
I am going to start with machines. What are the different Cricut machines? There are three different machines on the market right now. The Cricut Joy, which is the smallest Cricut machine. Then it steps up from there. The next machine up is the Cricut Explore Air 2. That’s the one that they’re currently selling right now. There are also older machines, like the Cricut Explore Air and one that’s just called the Cricut Explore. Finally, there’s the Cricut Maker which is one step up from the Cricut Explore. If you would like to see a big comparison between the three machines, you can click here.
What are the parts of a cricut?
Cricut Blades. Blades and mats are the other two components that are required to use your Cricut machine. So let’s take a look at those and an explanation of each one. Remember the outer part of the blade is called the housing then the blade itself inserts into the housing.
How to move objects from one mat to another?
Move objects from one mat to another to save material. Click the three dots and click move to another mat. Then click the mat you want to move it to. Go to that mat and move it around to locate it.
How to mirror a mat before cutting?
Anything that is placed face down on the mat needs to be mirrored before cutting. Just toggle the switch on the mat screen to mirror the entire mat.
How to make things cut on the same mat?
Click and drag layers to the same color to easily make things cut on the same mat.
How to make a print then cut?
Flatten any object to make it a print then cut. I recommend flattening words to an object like a square. That way it will print the words and cut the shape. Once you flatten, the button does change to unflatten so you can undo this action at any time.
Does the Joy work with the Cricut?
All Cricut machines operate on Bluetooth which is the technology that sends your design from your computer, tablet, phone, directly to your Cricut without a cable required. A Joy works on Bluetooth only.
How are parallel and series circuits similar?
Many people may have no idea that there is more than one type of circuit. To be honest we had no idea either before we started experimenting and building a house. Series circuits and parallel circuits are very similar but they have completely different duties. In a series circuit, all of the devices are connected. With this, all the charge is shared and dispersed evenly in a consecutive order. On the opposite hand, parallel circuits are completely different. In parallel circuits, the charge goes to one branching location. At this location, the electricity is then divide to multiple different pathways. Individual aspects of parallel and series circuits differ, such as voltage, current, and resistance. Below is a picture of a series circuit and then below that is a parallel circuit compared to a series circuit.
What is the difference between a series and parallel circuit?
On the opposite hand, parallel circuits are completely different. In parallel circuits, the charge goes to one branching location . At this location, the electricity is then divide to multiple different pathways.
What is voltage energy?
Voltage is also very difficult to describe to people. To be vague, voltage is electrical potential energy per unit charge. Voltage is measured in joules per coulomb (volt). Voltage is also referred to as electrical potential.
What is the total resistance of a series circuit?
Through lab testing we found that the total resistance in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual resistances. In a parallel circuit, the reciprocal of the total resistance is equal to the reciprocals of all the individual resistances added up.
How does the cross sectional area of wire affect the amount of resistance?
Also, the cross-sectional area of our wires affect the amount of resistance. The wider the wire, the higher rate the electrical current will flow through. Lastly, the material that the wire is made of effects the total resistance. Some wires are better conductors of electricity, while some wires are faulty and weak.
Is the total current the same as the current in a series circuit?
Through lab testing we were also able to conclude that in a series circuit, the total current is the same as each resistor/light bulb's individual current. Whereas, in a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of the individual currents.
Is current a physical quantity?
However, current is a physical quantity and it can be expressed and also measured. Current is the rate at which charge flows past a point on a circuit. We are able to measure current if the quantity of charge passing through the wire in a certain amount of time can be measured.
What Is A Circuit Board?
Simply put, a printed circuit board (or PCB) is just a small board that allows several different components to connect to one another. These are usually made of a semi-conductive material such as resin or fiberglass and are flexible enough to bend (within reason) without breaking.
What is the black square on the computer?
Almost every component is connected to it in one way or another. From this, we can assume (correctly) that this black square is the system’s processor. Now, let’s assume something goes wrong – what can you do about it?
Can you repair a circuit board yourself?
Repairing Damaged Circuit Boards. It’s necessary to remember that in most cases, you’re better off taking a damaged circuit board to a professional for repair. That said, if you have a soldering gun, you can fix most problems yourself with a little time. Usually, if a circuit board is damaged, it’s one component at fault.
Do kettles use circuit boards?
Chances are if you’ve bought any electronics recently, they use circuit boards. Everything from your kettle to your TV uses them in order to function properly. Of course, the actual components that are connected differ from one device to another. Is there an easy way to tell what’s what?
Do you need to be intimated by circuit boards?
There’s no need to be intimated by circuit boards! Without them, the electronics industry wouldn’t have been able to keep up with our demands, so they’re extremely important. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what these crucial items are and how they work. Now you know what a circuit board does.
What does a battery do to a circuit?
Just as your heart produces the pressure to make blood circulate, a battery or generator produces the pressure or force to push electrons around a circuit. Voltage is the force and is measured in volts (V).
How do fluorescent lights produce light?
Fluorescent lights produce light by having electrons pass through a tube filled with mercury vapor and neon or argon gas. As the electrons bump into the mercury atoms, they cause electrons in the atoms to absorb some of their energy. As these electrons return to their normal state, they radiate bundles of light energy called photons. Fluorescent lights are four to five times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Why is gold used in electronics?
Gold, because of its resistance to corrosion, is often used for attaching wires to tiny electronic chips. In an incandescent bulb, the current flows through a thin tungsten wire or a metallic filament that offers high resistance to current flow.
What is Ohm's law?
Ohm's Law can be written as R = V/I. Electric circuits are composed of wires and other components -- like light bulbs, transistors, computer chips and motors. Wires, made of metals called conductors that have a low resistance to current, connect the components.
Why does the heart push blood through blood vessels?
Some of the pressure produced by your heart is just for pushing blood through blood vessels. As electrons move through wires , they bump into atoms. This impedes the flow of the electrons. The wire offers resistance to the flow of the current.
