SCIENCE BEHIND ELECTRIC CIRCUIT WITH SWITCH

Science Behind Electric Circuit With Switch

Science Behind Electric Circuit With Switch

Blog Article


Introduction




Our ancestors relied on fire for light, warmth and cooking. Today at the flick of a switch, turn of a knob or the push of a button we have instant power. This is possible because of the electric current. It is one of the important discoveries that helped us revolutionize the way we live.





From the time we wake up till the time we sleep in the night, our life is dependent on electricity. From the television that you watch to the toaster that you use to toast bread, all run on electric current. Besides playing a major part at home, electricity also plays an important role in industries, transportation and communication. In this article, let us learn more about this important resource that we are highly dependent on.





Current




  • Current is the flow of particles in a particular direction. E.g air currents that cause winds or water currents.
  • When particles flow in an electric circuit to produce electricity, it is called an electric current.




Electric current





The flow of electric charges in a circuit is called an electric current. The direction is taken from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the battery in an external circuit.





Electric Cell





  • A cell is a source of electric power, created inside by internal chemical reactions.
  • When the chemicals inside the cell are exhausted, the cell needs to be replaced by a new one.
  • Cells have two terminals: a positive and a negative terminal. In order for current to flow, the positive terminal must be connected to the negative terminal and this polarity must be maintained.




Unit of Electric Current





The SI unit of electric current is Ampere. Ampere is defined as one coulomb of charge moving past a point in one second. If there are 6.241 x 1018 electrons flowing through our frame in one second then the electrical current flowing through it is ‘One Ampere.





Electric Circuit





The electric circuits are closed loop or path which forms a network of electrical components, where electrons are able to flow. This path is made using electrical wires and is powered by a source, like a battery. The start of the point from where the electrons start flowing is called the source whereas the point where electrons leave the electrical circuit is called the return.









Wire





  • An electric wire is a conducting path in an electric circuit, through which current flows.
  • It is usually made out of a metal that is a good conductor of electricity








Electric Bulb and its working





  • Consists of a thin wire that glows due to the passage of current. This is known as the filament.
  • An electric circuit provides a closed path for the current to flow. Terminals of the bulb are connected by wires to the electric cell.
  • Sometimes the bulb does not glow as the filament gets fused (breaks) due to overheating.








Electric switches





  • Devices that are used to connect the circuit or break it.
  • When the switch is connected, we call it ON, and when it’s not in contact (or open) with the circuit, the switch is OFF.​​​​​​








Electric Circuit Symbols





Every component and product of electric circuit contains a symbol. The symbols represent parts of the circuit in a circuit diagram. Beneath are the basic sets of symbols that are present in a circuit diagram.









Simple Circuit





A simple circuit comprises of the power source, conductors, switch and load.





  • Cell: It is the power source.
  • Load: It is also termed as the resistor. It is a light bulb that lights when the circuit is turned on.
  • Conductors: They are made of copper wires with no insulation. One end of the wire is connected the load to the power source and the other end of the wire connects the power source back to the load.
  • Switch: It is a small gap in the circuit. There are various types of switches. A switch can be used to open or close a circuit.

Report this page