circuit introduction

• What is an electrical circuit?

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

  It visually represents electrical circuits
• 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 the symbol for potential difference?

  The letter v
• What is another name for potential difference?

  Voltage
• How is resistance denoted in electrical terms?

  The letter r
• 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 does the longer line on a cell represent?

  The positive terminal
• What does the shorter line on a cell represent?

  The negative terminal
• What is conventional current?

  The flow of current from positive to negative
• How should you remember the direction of current flow for exams?

  Current flows from positive to negative