 |
VOOZH | about |
|
VOOZH | about |
Circuits are pathways or networks that allow the flow of electrical current between different components or elements. Circuits are fundamental to the functioning of electronic devices and systems
This article talks about what are circuits, types of circuits, series circuits, parallel circuits, and various other types of circuit along with it's properties.
Table of Content
Circuits or Electrical Circuits are defined as a closed loop through which electricity can flow. These closed loops, or paths, are formed by a network of electrical components. Circuits are closed paths that have the same starting and ending points. The paths of the circuits are constructed with the help of electrical wires. The circuit contains electrical components like bulb, battery, electric wire, switch, etc. The point from which electrons start flowing is termed the source, while the point where electrons leave the circuit is termed the return.
Depending on the types of connection and power source used, circuits can be classified into various types. Based on the connection there are primarily two types of circuits:
Series Circuits are defined as a type of circuits in which the electrical components or resources are arranged one after other. This type of connection is also termed as an end-to-end connection or cascade connection. In the series circuit there is only one path of the flow of current. In this circuits, the amount of current that flows the all the components is same.
V = V1 + V 2+ V3 + ... + Vn
R = R1 + R2 + R3 + ... + Rn
R > R1, R > R2, ... , R > Rn
Example: If 2 resistors of 3 ohm and 4 ohm are connected in series. What is the resistance of the circuit?
Solution:
Since the resistors are connected in series,
to calculate resistance of the circuit follow these steps
R = R1 + R2
R = 3 + 4
R = 7
R = 7 ohm
Parallel circuits are defined as a type of circuit in which various electrical components or resources are connected across one another in parallel. This circuit contains two or more paths for the flow of electric current. In this circuit the amount of voltage across each resource or components is constant or same. The amount of electric current through each component is variable.
I = I1 + I2 + I3 + ... + In
R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... + 1/Rn
R < R1, R < R2, ..., R < Rn
Example: If 2 resistors of 3ohm and 4ohm are connected in parallel. What is the resistance of the circuit?
Solution:
Since the resistors are connected in parallel,
to calculate resistance of the circuit follow these steps
1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2
1/R = 1/3 + 1/4
1/R = 4+3/12
1/R = 7/12
R = 12/7
R = 1.71 ohm
The difference between series and parallel circuit is tabulated below:
Series Circuits | Parallel Circuits |
|---|---|
In series circuits, there will be one and only one path of the flow of current. | In parallel circuits, there will be two or more than two paths of the flow of current. |
In series circuits, the electrical components are arranged in a single path. | In parallel circuits, the electrical components are arranged in parallel to each other. |
The total voltage flowing across the circuit is sum total of all the individual voltages across each electrical components. | The voltage or potential difference across the parallel circuits is same or constant across the circuits. |
The equivalent electrical resistance is equal to the sum total of all the individual resistances. | The equivalent electrical resistance is calculated by taking sum of reciprocal of individual resistances. |
If there is any break in the circuit, the whole circuit breaks. | Failure of a single point did not break the whole circuit. |
Apart from the above there are other circuits as well. These other types of circuits are mentioned below:
Let's discuss these circuits one by one.
AC circuits are defined as a type of circuit in which electricity flow and it's magnitude changes from zero to its maximum value. Simply we can say, AC circuit uses alternating current power source. In AC circuits, the direction of flow of current changes alternatively. The voltage level in a AC circuit will vary in sinusoidal form. To perform long-distance power transmission we prefer the use of AC circuit. In AC circuit, there is a higher risk of electric shock.
AC voltage: V = V0sinΟt
AC current: I = I0sinΟt
DC circuits are defined as a type of circuit in which the current flow only in a single direction. It is generally used in solar cells, batteries, electronic devices, etc. To perform simple applications, we mostly prefer DC circuits. The voltage level in a DC circuit is constant. To perform short-distance power transmission we prefer the use of AC circuit. In DC circuit, there is a low risk of electric shock.
Open circuit is defined as an electric circuit in which there is no flow of electric current through the circuit. In an open circuit, the terminals are not connected with each other. This type of circuit generally consists of path which are incomplete. It is generally used to represent the off state of the circuit. Example of open circuits include socket, flashlight etc.
Closed circuit is defined as an electric circuit in which there is flow of electric current through the circuit. In a closed circuit, the terminals are connected with each other. In a closed circuit, the path is complete. It is generally used to represent the on state of the circuit.
Series-Parallel Circuit are circuits in which there is use of both series and parallel type of circuits. This circuit includes the features of both the circuit and improves its efficiency.
Linear circuit is an electric circuit in which the present elements or characteristics, their values does not change. It remains constant and does not get affected by any change in voltage or current flowing in the circuit.
Non Linear circuit is an electric circuit in which the present elements or characteristics, their values does change. The properties or characteristics values are variable and does get affected by any change in voltage or current flowing in the circuit.
Unilateral circuit is defined as a circuit in the properties or characteristics of the circuit changes when either the current direction or voltage direction changes. This type of circuit allows the flow of current only in one direction. Example: Diode Rectifier
Bi-lateral circuit is defined as a circuit in the properties or characteristics of the circuit does not change when either the current direction or voltage direction changes. This type of circuit allows the flow of current in two direction without any change in the behaviour of circuit.
A star-delta circuit is also known as a star-delta starter. It is circuit present in the speed control system of three-phase induction motors. This technique involves connecting the motor windings in a star (Y) configuration during starting and then switching to a delta (Ξ) configuration once the motor reaches a certain speed
A circuit consists of following parts:
The different applications of circuits are tabulated below:
Electrical Circuits are important concept in electrical field. This article discusses that circuit are a closed loop through which electric current flows. There are two types of circuits that is series and parallel circuits. Series circuit involve connection in which all the electrical components are arranged in a single path. While in parallel circuit, there are two or more paths for the flow of current. We have also learnt various other types of circuits in this article.
Related Articles
