Circuits and Power
This course covers the four parts of an electrical circuit, as well as the differences between common circuit types including series, parallel, and combination circuits. This course illustrates electrical power and how to calculate it. Finally, it discusses power rating and power conversion and efficiency.
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Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What are the four basic components of an electrical circuit?
The basic components of an electrical circuit are a source of power, a load that consumes power, some electrical conductors to connect the source and the load, and a device such as a switch to control the flow of electricity.
What is Ohm’s law?
Ohm’s law describes the relationship between voltage (electrical potential), current (electrical flow), and resistance in any electrical circuit.
What is the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?
In a series circuit, the loads are connected in series, or one after the other. Current flows equally through each load. In a parallel circuit, each load is on an independent branch of the circuit. The voltage applied to each load is constant, but the current flow through each load may be different.
What is a short circuit?
A short circuit occurs anytime there is some type of mishap in which the opposite polarities of a voltage source become directly connected without any significant load or resistance between them. This is a dangerous situation which can lead to equipment damage and even fire.
How is the power consumed by an electrical device determined?
Power is determined by multiplying the voltage across a load by the current flowing through it. A common unit of power is the watt.
Sample Video Transcript
A good example of a basic electrical circuit is a flashlight. Batteries supply a voltage potential, or energy, to the circuit, and the load is a light bulb which converts electricity to light. All components are connected together with conductive wire. The contacts within the switch on the flashlight are either not touching, creating an “open” circuit, or they do contact each other, creating a “closed” circuit. There must be a completed, or closed path for the electrons to flow from one terminal of the battery to the other. When the switch is closed there is a completed circuit, current will flow, and the light will illuminate.
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