Simple Electrical Circuits

Flashcards covering components of basic electrical circuits and how to draw/label them.

Battery (Cell)

Provides the energy source for the circuit, with a positive and negative terminal.

Switch

Controls the flow of current in the circuit, opening or closing the path.

Resistor (Light Bulb)

Limits the flow of current in the circuit; a light bulb is a type of resistor.

Connecting Wires

Conduct electrical current to connect components in the circuit.

Long line in battery symbol

The positive terminal of a battery in a circuit diagram.

Short line in battery symbol

The negative terminal of a battery in a circuit diagram.

Open Switch

Symbolized by two small circles with a line connecting only one side indicating an open circuit.

Resistor Symbol

Symbolized by a zigzag line.

Light Bulb (Lamp) Symbol

Symbolized by a circle with a cross inside.

Closed Loop (Circuit)

The path current takes from the positive terminal, through components, and back to the negative terminal.

Components in Series

Arrangement of components one after the other in a single path.