Circuit Diagrams

• Common circuit symbols:

  
• The function of the most common components are: (part 1)

  • Cell / battery: Provides the circuit with a source of potential difference - i.e. energy per unit of charge. A battery is two or more cells
  • Switch: Turn the circuit on (closed), or off (open)
  • Fixed resistor: A resistor limits the flow of current. A fixed resistor has a resistance it cannot change
  • Variable resistor: A resistor with a slider that can be used to change its resistance. These are often used in dimmer switches and volume controls
• The function of the most common components are: (part 2)

  • Thermistor: The resistance of a thermistor depends on its temperature. As its temperature increases, its resistance decreases and vice versa
  • Light-dependent resistor (LDR): The resistance of an LDR depends on the light intensity. As the light intensity increases, its resistance decreases and vice versa
  • Motor: A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
  • Diode: A diode allows current to flow in one direction only. They are used to convert AC to DC current
• The function of the most common components are: (part 3)

  • Light-emitting diode (LED): This is equivalent to a diode and emits light when a current passes through it. These are used for aviation lighting and displays (TVs, road signs)
  • Ammeter: Used to measure the current in a circuit. Connected in series with other components
  • Voltmeter: Use to measure the potential difference of an electrical component. Connected in parallel with the relevant component
• • Each of these components have an electrical resistance that may impact the current in the circuit
  • However, the resistance of the ammeter and voltmeter are taken as negligible in exam questions
• Drawing & Interpreting Circuit Diagrams:

  • Being able to draw and interpret circuit diagrams using circuit symbols is an essential skill in the electricity & circuits topic
• • Electric circuit diagrams require the following to work correctly: (part 1)
  • An energy source – This is a source of potential difference so a current can flow. This can be a cell, battery, or a power supply
  • A closed path or a complete circuit – Electrons need to flow in a complete loop for a current to flow. A circuit can be open and closed using a switch
• • Electric circuit diagrams require the following to work correctly: (part 2)
  • Electrical components – These could act as sensors that respond to the environment (LDR, thermistor), or measure a value (ammeter, voltmeter), or transfer electrical energy to other forms of energy (LED, lamp). These must be drawn with the correct circuit symbol
• • The key rules to remember are:
  • An ammeter is always connected in series
  • A voltmeter is always connected in parallel to the component the voltage is being measured
  • The direction of current flow is always from the positive to the negative terminal of the power supply