Simple Circuits
Describe the behavior of a circuit.
- A circuit is composed of electrical loops, which may include circuit elements such as wires, batteries, resistors, lightbulbs, capacitors, switches, ammeters, and voltmeters.
- A closed electrical loop is a closed path through which charges may flow.
- A closed circuit is one in which charges would be able to flow.
- An open circuit is one in which charges would not be able to flow.
- A short circuit is one in which charges would be able to flow with no change in potential difference.
- A single circuit element may be part of multiple electrical loops.
- Circuit schematics are representations used to describe and analyze electric circuits.
- The properties of an electric circuit are dependent on the physical arrangement of its constituent elements.
- Circuit elements have common symbols that are used to create schematic diagrams. Variable elements are indicated by a diagonal strikethrough arrow across the standard symbol for that element.
Unless otherwise specified, all circuit schematic diagrams will be drawn using conventional current.