Circuits

• What is an electrical circuit?

  A closed loop containing a power source
• What does a circuit diagram represent?

  It represents the components of a circuit
• What is the symbol for a cell in a circuit diagram?

  A simple version of a battery
• How is a battery represented in circuit diagrams?

  Two cell symbols put together
• What is the symbol for a filament lamp?

  A small light bulb symbol
• What happens when a switch in a circuit is closed?

  Current continues flowing around the circuit
• What is current denoted by in electrical terms?

  The letter i
• How is current measured?

  In amperes, or amps
• What does potential difference represent?

  The force driving the flow of electrons
• What is another name for potential difference?

  Voltage
• How is potential difference measured?

  In volts
• What does resistance do in a circuit?

  It opposes the flow of electrons
• How is resistance measured?

  In ohms
• Which way do electrons flow in a circuit?

  From the negative terminal to the positive terminal
• What is the convention for current flow in circuits?

  Current flows from positive to negative
• What is the longer line in a cell symbol?

  The positive terminal
• What is the shorter line in a cell symbol?

  The negative terminal
• Why do we call the flow of current from positive to negative conventional current?

  It was established before understanding electron flow
• What are the key terms related to circuits?

  • Potential difference (voltage)
  • Current (measured in amperes)
  • Resistance (measured in ohms)
• How do you draw a simple circuit diagram?

  1. Identify components (cell, lamp, switch)
  2. Use correct symbols for each component
  3. Connect components in a closed loop
• What are the differences between cells and batteries in circuits?

  • Cells: single power source
  • Batteries: multiple cells combined
  • Both act similarly in circuits
• What is the relationship between current, potential difference, and resistance?

  • Current (I) is flow of electrons
  • Potential difference (V) drives current
  • Resistance (R) opposes current flow
  • Ohm's Law: $V =$$I \times R$