Electrical Circuits and Ohm's Law - Page-by-Page Notes

Complete Circuit

A complete path that electrons travel from a power source through a load and back to the power source.

Parts of a Complete Circuit

Power source, Protection, Power path, Electrical load, Return path.

Open Circuit

A circuit that is not complete or lacks continuity, stopping current flow.

Short-to-Voltage

The power side of one circuit is electrically connected to the power side of another circuit, bypassing some or all resistance.

Short-to-Ground

Current bypasses part of the circuit and flows directly to ground, often causing a fuse to blow.

High Resistance (Circuit Fault)

An unwanted load causing elevated resistance in the circuit, hindering proper current flow.

Ohm's Law

States that 1 volt is required to push 1 ampere through 1 ohm of resistance. The primary formula is V = I R (Voltage = Current \times Resistance), with variations I = \frac{V}{R} and R = \frac{V}{I}.

Watt's Law

Defines electrical power (measured in watts). A watt is the electrical power when 1 ampere flows through 1 volt. The primary formula is P = V I (Power = Voltage \times Current), with variations P = I^2 R and P = \frac{V^2}{R}.