What Is Electric Circuit With Symbols, And Formulas Used

We know various components are needed to build an electrical circuit. To understand the electrical circuit and the flow of current, one must understand the electrical symbols of circuit components. In this article, let us discuss in brief about electric circuit and its components.

Electric Circuit

The electric circuits are closed-loop or paths, forming a network of electrical components where electrons can 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. Let’s conduct a small experiment; you would need the following,

• Electric bulb
• Wire
• Electrical tape
• A battery

Connect the wires to the bulb and connect one end of the wire to the battery. Notice what happens, there won’t be any change in the bulb, but when you connect the free wire to the battery and complete the circuit, you will notice that the bulb starts glowing. Therefore the circuit must be completed for the current to flow.

An electrical circuit is complete only when there is at least one closed loop from the positive to the negative end. This is the simplest form of an electric circuit. The circuit found inside a television is more complicated and has different components.

You might have seen these danger signs on electric poles, transformers, and sometimes even on some electrical equipment at home. It is to warn you about the dangers of electricity, and electricity, if not handled properly, could be lethal and can even cause death. Electric wires sockets and live wire should be adequately insulated and kept away from the reach of children, the voltage in a small battery does not exceed more than 12 volts, but the voltage in a transformer may reach up to 11000 volts.

Faulty electrical circuits because fire, for fires caused due to electrical failure use of water to extinguish must be avoided, there are special extinguishers for the same.

We have come to a conclusion that electric current flows only when there is a complete uninterrupted connection from a battery through different components back to the battery. Any interruption will stop the flow of current

Electric batteries should also be handled carefully; never connect two terminals of the battery without a bulb or a load because the chemicals inside the battery react so quickly that they generate an immense amount of energy, which can even cause them to burst.

Electricity and Circuits Complete Chapter Revision Class 6

Electric Circuit Symbols

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

• Simple Circuit

  A simple circuit comprises 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 to 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.

  Electric Circuit Formula

  Following is the list of formulas that are used in electric circuits are:

  Quantity
  Formula
  Notations

  Electric current

  \(\begin{array}{l}I=\frac{Q}{t}\end{array} \)

  • I is the current
  • Q is the charge flowing
  • t is the time period

  Resistance

  \(\begin{array}{l}R=\rho .\frac{L}{A}\end{array} \)

  • R is the resistance
  • ρ is the resistivity value of the wire
  • L is the length of the wire
  • A is the cross-sectional area

  Voltage

  \(\begin{array}{l}\Delta V=I.R\end{array} \)

  • ΔV is the electric potential difference

  Power

  \(\begin{array}{l}P=\frac{\Delta E}{t}\end{array} \)

  • P is the power
  • ΔE is the energy gain or loss
  • t is the time period

  Series circuit

  \(\begin{array}{l}R_{eq}=R_{1}+R_{2}+R_{3}+…\end{array} \)

  • Req is the total resistance of the resistors placed in series
  • R1, R2… are the resistors placed in series

  Parallel circuit

  \(\begin{array}{l}\frac{1}{R_{eq}}=\frac{1}{R_{1}}+\frac{1}{R_{2}}+\frac{1}{R_{3}}+…\end{array} \)

  • Req is the total resistance of the resistors placed in parallel
  • R1, R2… are the resistors placed in parallel

  Learn More:

  • Half Wave Rectifier
  • Full Wave Rectifier
  • Metal Oxide Silicon Field Effect Transistors
  • Power Factor

  Watch the video and solve important questions in the chapter Electricity Class 10

  

  Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

  What is an electric circuit?

  The electric circuit is a closed-loop or path that forms a network of electrical components, where electrons can flow.

  What is a switch?

  The switch is a small gap in the circuit that can be used to open or close a circuit.

  What is the formula to calculate electric current?

  Electric current is given by the formula: I=Q/t
  Where,

  • I is the current
  • Q is the charge flowing
  • t is the time period

  When is an electric circuit said to be complete?

  An electrical circuit is complete when there is at least one closed loop from the positive end to the negative end.

  What is the formula to calculate power?

  \(\begin{array}{l}P=\frac{\Delta E}{t}\end{array} \)

  Where,

  • P is the power
  • ΔE is the energy gain or loss
  • t is the time period

  Where,

  Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about Electric circuits like domestic electric circuits, etc., with the help of interactive video lessons.

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