Salutations

An electrical circuit is a path or line through which an electrical current flows. The path may be closed (joined at both ends), making it a loop. A closed circuit makes electrical current flow possible. It may also be an open circuit where the electron flow is cut short because the path is broken. An open circuit does not allow electrical current to flow.

Below is a basic set of symbols that you may find on circuit diagrams.

It is very important to know the basic parts of a simple circuit and the symbols that relate to them. A simple circuit has conductors, a switch, a load and a power source. Here are the functions of each part:

Conductors:
These are usually copper wires with no insulation. They make the path through which the electricity flows. One piece of the wire connects the current from the power source (cell) to the load. The other piece connects the load back to the power source.

Switch:
The switch is simply a small gap in the conductor where you can close or open the circuit. When the switch is closed, the circuit is closed and electricity flows.

The Load:
The load is a small light bulb or buzzer that lights when the circuit is turned on. The load is also known as a resistor.

Cell:
The power source is a cell. When we combine two cells we call it a battery. We all know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. But what if I told you, that in an electrical circuits the battery is the powerhouse of the cell? Mind blowing, right. Sorry to burst your bubble.

We can use a river as a metaphor for these parts. The load of a river is the water, and the conductor is the current. In this case, the current triggers the action of the water while the water source acts as the cell. Finally, the switch could either be represented as a disruption or a dam in the water. Just like a river, electrical current can flow straight or it can branch out. When an electric current flows through the loads one at a time we call this a series circuit. In contrast, when the loads travel at the same time this is called a parallel circuit.

This is a prime example of a parallel electric circuit in action.

If you would like a more in-depth expectation I would recommend watching this video

”Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight” – The Truman Show