ELECTRICAL

CIRCUITS
 CIRCUITS
• WHAT IS A CIRCUIT
• OPEN AND CLOSED CIRCUIT
• A SIMPLE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT
• SERIES CIRCUITS
• PARALLEL CIRCUITS
 WHAT IS A CIRCUIT
• A circuit is a closed loop or path through which an electric current can
flow.
• It typically consists of various components such as wires, resistors,
capacitors, inductors, and sometimes active devices like transistors.
The components are connected in a way that allows electric charges
to move and create a continuous flow of electricity.
• There are two types of circuit :
• Closed circuit
• Open circuit
 OPEN AND CLOSED CIRCUIT
• Open Circuit: In an open circuit, there is a break in the path,
preventing the electric current from flowing. If the circuit is open,
devices connected to it won't work because there is no complete loop
for the electricity to travel.
• Closed Circuit: In a closed circuit, the path is complete, and the
electric current can flow from the power source (like a battery)
through the components and back to the source. Devices in a closed
circuit, like lights or appliances, can operate because the current can
continuously circulate.
 A SIMPLE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT

• There are few components in a

simple circuit. They are:
• Batter/cell
• Switch
• Lamp/bulb
• Wire
NOTE: when 2 cells are joined
together they form a battery
 SERIES CIRCUITS
• A series circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which the components
are connected end-to-end, forming a single pathway for the flow of
electric current. In a series circuit, the same current passes through
each component without branching off.
• There are few important characteristics in a series circuit
• Resistance Sum: The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of
the resistances of individual components.
 SERIES CIRCUITS
• Single Path: There is only one pathway for the electric current to follow.
The components are connected one after the other.
• Constant Current: The current remains the same throughout the circuit.
The same electrons flow through each component.
• Voltage Distribution: The total voltage of the circuit is divided among the
components. The sum of the individual voltage drops across each
component equals the total voltage of the circuit.
• Component Failure Impact: If one component fails or is removed, it
interrupts the entire circuit, and all devices in the series may stop
working.
 PARALLEL CIRCUITS
• A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which the components
are connected in multiple pathways, providing separate branches for
the flow of electric current. In a parallel circuit, each component is
connected across the same voltage, and the voltage across each
component is the same.
• There are a few characteristics
• Multiple Paths: In a parallel circuit, there are multiple pathways for
the electric current to flow. Components are connected side by side,
forming separate branches.
 PARALLEL CIRCUITS
• Constant Voltage: The voltage across each component is the same.
This is because all components are connected across the same two
points in the circuit, typically the positive and negative terminals of a
power source.
• Independent Current Paths: Each branch or component in a parallel
circuit has its own independent path for the flow of electric current.
The current entering the junction point is equal to the sum of the
currents in the individual branches.
 PARALLEL CIRCUITS
• Resistance Division: The total resistance in a parallel circuit is less
than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor. This is because
the reciprocal of the total resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of
the individual resistances.
• Component Impact: If one component fails or is removed, the others
continue to operate. The failure of one branch does not affect the
operation of the other branches.
MEASURING CURRENTS
• WHAT IS A CURRENT
• AC CURRENTS
• DC CURRENTS
• AMMETER
WHAT IS A CURRENT
• Electric current is the steady movement of electric charge, primarily
electrons, through a conductor such as a wire. It is a fundamental
concept in electrical systems, measured in amperes (A), and crucial
for the functioning of various devices and circuits.
• It is measured in ampere or amp.
• Its symbol is A
• Electric current conventionally flows from positive (+) to negative (-),
a historical convention. However, it's important to note that in reality,
electrons move in the opposite direction. This convention aids in
simplifying circuit analysis and design.
AC CURRENT
• Alternating Current (AC):AC current, or Alternating Current, is an
electric current that periodically changes direction, typically in the
form of a sine wave. It is widely used for power transmission and
distribution due to its efficiency in long-distance travel.

-Periodic reversal of electric charge flow.

-Standard for most electrical power transmission and distribution
systems.
-Easily transformable to different voltage levels.
DC CURRENTS
• Direct Current (DC):Direct Current (DC) is a consistent and
unidirectional flow of electric charge. In DC, the electric current
maintains a steady path from the positive to the negative terminal,
offering a continuous and reliable power source. This type of current
is widely employed in batteries and electronic devices, where a stable
and constant flow of electricity is essential for their operation.
-Constant, unidirectional flow of electric charge.
-Commonly used in batteries and electronic devices.
AMMETER
• An ammeter is an instrument used to measure electric current in a
circuit. It is designed to be connected in series within the circuit,
allowing it to measure the flow of electric charge through the entire
circuit.
• Low Resistance: An ammeter has very low internal resistance to ensure
that it doesn't significantly affect the current it is measuring. The goal is
to have minimal impact on the circuit's behavior.
• Series Connection: To measure current, the ammeter is connected in
series with the circuit component or section where you want to
measure the current. In other words, the electric current flows through
the ammeter.
AMMETER
• Reading the Current: As current flows through the ammeter, it
measures the amount of electric charge passing through its circuit per
unit time. The unit of measurement is amperes (A).
• Display: The measured current is then displayed on the ammeter's
screen or dial. Ammeters may have various scales or settings to
accommodate different current ranges.
• Range Selection: Many ammeters allow users to select different
current ranges based on the expected current in the circuit. This
ensures accurate readings and prevents damage to the ammeter.
MEASURING VOLTAGE
• WHAT IS VOLTAGE
• UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS
• VOLTMETER AND HOW IT WORKS This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

• PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF UNDERSTANDING VOLTAGE

 UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS
• In the world of electricity, we quantify voltage using a unit called
'volts' (V). It's similar to how we measure distance in meters or
temperature in degrees. Volts tell us the strength of the push or force
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

in the electrical circuit. So, when we talk about voltage, we're

expressing it in volts – a way to measure the power that drives
electric current.
• V is how scientists measure the volts in short, like how we use m for
meter
 WHAT IS VOLTAGE
• Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is a measure of
the electric potential energy per unit charge in an electrical circuit.
• In simpler terms ,imagine voltage as the force that makes electric
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

energy flow in a circuit. It's like a push that each electric charge gets,
encouraging it to move through the wires. We call this force 'voltage'
or 'electric potential difference.' Essentially, it's what propels the
energy per electric charge in an electrical circuit.
 VOLTMETER AND HOW IT WORKS
• Voltmeter is used to measure the voltage in a circuit
• Internal Resistance: A voltmeter has a high internal resistance. This is
important because it ensures that the voltmeter itself does not draw
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

a significant amount of current from the circuit being measured,

which could alter the voltage.
• Connection in Parallel: To measure voltage across a component or
between two points in a circuit, the voltmeter is connected in parallel.
It essentially forms a parallel branch with the component or section of
the circuit under investigation.
VOLTMETER AND HOW IT WORKS
• Voltage Reading: When connected, the voltmeter measures the
potential difference between its two terminals. The high internal
resistance ensures that the voltmeter draws very little current from
the circuit, minimizing its impact on the voltage being measured.
• Display: The measured voltage is then displayed on the voltmeter's
screen or dial. The unit of measurement is volts (V).
• Range Selection: Many voltmeters allow users to select different
voltage ranges to match the expected voltage in the circuit. This
ensures accurate readings and prevents damage to the voltmeter.
 PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF
UNDERSTANDING VOLTAGE
• Charging Devices: Ever wondered why your phone charges? Voltage is
the force that powers up your devices when you plug them in.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

• Household Appliances: From your refrigerator to your TV, household

appliances rely on the right voltage to function properly.
Understanding voltage helps ensure their smooth operation.
• Lighting: Whether it's the soft glow of a lamp or the bright lights in a
stadium, proper voltage is essential for lighting systems to work
efficiently.
• These are few examples of the practical applications of voltage