Introduction to

Electric Circuits

An electric circuit is a network of interconnected components that allows the

flow of electric current. Understanding the fundamentals of electric circuits is
crucial for fields like engineering, electronics, and power systems.
Good and Bad Conductors of Electric
Current
Metals
Metals like copper, silver, and gold are excellent conductors, allowing electric current
to flow easily through them.

Insulators
Rubber, plastic, and glass are poor conductors, hindering the flow of electric current
and preventing short circuits.

Semiconductors
Materials like silicon and germanium can act as both conductors and insulators,
enabling the electronics industry.
What is electric current?

1. Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductive

material, such as a wire or metal.

2. It is measured in amperes (A), and represents the rate at which electrons

move through a circuit.
3. The movement of these electrons creates an electrical current that can be
used to power devices and perform work.
Measuring Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire.
To measure this flow, we use specialized instruments called ammeters that are
connected in series with the circuit.

Ammeters come in various forms, from analog meters with moving needles to
digital displays. They measure the amount of current passing through them and
provide a reading of the current magnitude.
Flow of Electrons in Circuit

Electron Flow 1
In an electric circuit, electrons flow from
the negative terminal to the positive
terminal, driven by the potential difference 2 Conductor Path
between them. The circuit provides a conductive path for
the electrons to flow, typically through
metal wires or other materials that allow
Current Direction 3 free movement of electrons.
The direction of current flow is defined as
the opposite of the actual flow of electrons,
from positive to negative terminal.
Relation between Current and Charge

Electric Current Electric Charge Relationship

The relationship
Electric current is the Electric charge is a between current and
flow of electric charge fundamental property charge is given by the
through a conductive of matter that can be formula: Current (I)
material, such as a positive or negative. It = Charge (Q) / Time
wire. It is measured in is the source of the (t). This means that as
amperes (A) and electric field and the more electric charge
represents the amount basis for flows through a
of charge passing a electromagnetic circuit, the current
given point per unit of phenomena. increases
time. proportionally.
Electromotive Force[EMF]

1 Definition 2 Driving Force

Electromotive force (EMF) is the voltage or EMF provides the necessary force to push
potential difference created by a source of electric charges through a circuit, overcoming
electric power, such as a battery or generator, resistance and enabling the flow of current.
that drives electric current through a circuit.

3 Energy Conversion 4 Potential Difference

EMF converts other forms of energy, such as
chemical or mechanical, into electrical energy The EMF of a source is the potential difference
that can be used to power devices and circuits. between the positive and negative terminals
when no current is flowing through the source.
What is volt?
Voltage Measurement
The volt is the unit used to
measure the electric potential
difference or voltage between two
points in an electric circuit.
Source of Voltage
Voltages are typically created by
electrochemical sources like
batteries, generators, or other
power supplies that produce a
potential difference.
Voltage in Circuits
Voltage drives the flow of electric
current through a circuit. It is a
critical property that determines
how much current will flow.
 Formula for electromotive force and potential
difference
• While EMF and potential difference are related, they are distinct concepts. EMF is the source of energy,
while potential difference is the resulting voltage difference across a component in the circuit.

Electromotive Force (EMF) Potential Difference (V)

Measures the total energy provided by a source to Measures the difference in electrical potential
drive current through a circuit. between two points in a circuit.

Symbolized by the Greek letter ε (epsilon). Symbolized by the letter V.

Defined by the formula: ε = W/Q, where W is the Defined by the formula: V = W/Q, where W is the
work done and Q is the charge transferred. work done and Q is the charge transferred.
Video about electric circuits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3hdaLpq2AA&list=PLKw0ZzfWn1yvMWfzF
7gSmhTiAGCw8z4it&index=1