国际课程课件系列之物理GCSE boardworks Electrical Circuits.ppt

* of 10 ? Boardworks Ltd 2015 * of 10 ? Boardworks Ltd 2015 * of 10 ? Boardworks Ltd 2015 Electrical Circuits source of energy What is an electric circuit? An electric circuit is a path for electric charge to flow along. Like all electrical devices, this portable MP3 player contains electric circuits to enable it to play music. What is needed for an electric circuit to work? a complete loop a component no short circuits Wires or leads are used to carry the current around a circuit between the components. circuit symbol for a wire They are usually made from thin copper wires twisted together and covered with a plastic sleeve. Circuit diagrams can be complex and it is important to be able to distinguish between wires that are joined together and those that cross without being joined. two wires that are connected two wires that cross (i.e. not connected) How are wires shown in circuit diagrams? What is the source of energy in a circuit? When mains electricity is unsuitable, cells or batteries can be used as the source of electrical energy. Circuit symbol for a cell Mains electricity is often used to power electric circuits. This remote control uses batteries. Circuit symbol for a battery V Circuit components Which circuit diagram? Current is a measure of the rate of flow of electric charge in a circuit. Electric charge is measured in coulombs. A An ammeter must be connected in series as it measures the current flowing through it. A current of 1 A is 1 coulomb of charge flowing every second. So, a current of 5 A is 5 coulombs of charge flowing every second. What is current? Current is measured in amperes (A) using an ammeter. It is calculated using the equation: or I = Q t current = charge time Potential difference is the work done (or energy transferred) between two points in a circuit, per coulomb of charge. Potential difference is also called voltage. Voltage is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter. The voltage of a battery is the “push” it gives the ch