4 Circuit Theories

Define a circuit

An electrical path consisting of electrical components connected with wires.

Define a circuit diagram

A diagram showing how the electrical components are connected

Define a source

A device that provides electromotive force for the current to flow in a circuit.

Define a load

A component that converts electricak energy supplied by a source to other forms of energy

Define short circuit

A low-resistance electrical path that is usually undesirable and harmful. The resistance of the wire is much lower than that of the bulb, causing nearly all of the current to flow through the wire and bypass the bulb.

Define overloading

An event when the current through a wire or component exceeds its current rating

Describe the structure and operation if a SPDT switch

An SPDT switch has a common terminal on one side and two terminals on the other side. Depending on the position of the switch, the COM terminal is connected to either terminal A or B. Current can flow between the two connected terminals.

What is emf

It is the work done in driving charges around a circuit

What is pd

It is the work done in driving charges across a load

What is the difference between an ohmic conductor and a non-ohmic conductor

An ohmic conductor has a fixed resistance while a non-ohmic conductor does now