Intro to Circuits

• 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 circuits?

  The letter i
• How is current measured?

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

  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 an electrical 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 do the longer and shorter lines on a cell represent?

  Positive and negative terminals, respectively
• Why is the convention of current flow from positive to negative used?

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

  • Potential difference (voltage)
  • Current
  • Resistance
• What are the main components of a simple circuit?

  • Power source (cell or battery)
  • Conductive path (wire)
  • Load (like a filament lamp)
  • Switch (to control current flow)
• What is the relationship between current, potential difference, and resistance?

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