What is an electrical circuit BBC Bitesize?

What is an electrical circuit BBC Bitesize?

Electric circuits can be series or parallel. An ammeter measures current and a voltmeter measures a potential difference. Some materials have low resistance and are conductors; others are insulators. Physics. Electricity.

Why are circuit symbols used BBC Bitesize?

We use circuit symbols to draw diagrams of electrical circuits, with straight lines to show the wires.

What does a diode Do BBC Bitesize?

Diodes are electronic components which can be used to regulate the potential difference in circuits and to make logic gates .

What is a circuit ks2?

A circuit is a complete path around which electricity can flow. It must include a source of electricity, such as a battery. Materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily, called conductors, can be used to link the positive and negative ends of a battery, creating a circuit.

What are the 3 rules for a series circuit?

From this definition, three rules of series circuits follow: all components share the same current; resistances add to equal a larger, total resistance; and voltage drops add to equal a larger, total voltage. All of these rules find root in the definition of a series circuit.

How do you describe a circuit diagram?

A circuit diagram is a simplified representation of the components of an electrical circuit using either the images of the distinct parts or standard symbols. It shows the relative positions of all the elements and their connections to one another.

What does a LDR do in a circuit?

LDRs (light-dependent resistors) are used to detect light levels, eg in automatic security lights. Their resistance decreases as the light intensity increases. In the dark and at low light levels, the resistance of an LDR is high, and little current can flow through it.

What does J mean on a circuit board?

Integrated circuit – an alternative widely used non-standard abbreviation. J. Connector jack (normally but not always refers to female contact)

What are the 3 rules for parallel circuits?

Three Rules of Parallel Circuits

  • All components share the same voltage.
  • Resistances diminish to equal a smaller, total resistance.
  • Branch currents add to equal a larger, total current.

What are 2 rules for voltage and current in a series circuit?

UNDERSTANDING & CALCULATING SERIES CIRCUITS BASIC RULES Voltage applied to a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltage drops. The voltage drop across a resistor in a series circuit is directly proportional to the size of the resistor. If the circuit is broken at any point, no current will flow.

What is a LED in a circuit?

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) emits light when an electric current passes through it. The simplest circuit to power an LED is a voltage source with a resistor and an LED in series. Such a resistor is often called a ballast resistor.