Circuit Symbols and Key Concepts
This page introduces essential circuit symbols in physics and fundamental electrical concepts. It covers various circuit components and their symbols, as well as key terms and information related to electricity.
The page begins with a comprehensive list of circuit symbols, including cells, batteries, resistors, switches, and more. Each symbol is clearly illustrated for easy recognition.
Vocabulary: LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) - A resistor whose resistance decreases as light intensity increases.
Vocabulary: Thermistor - A resistor whose resistance decreases as temperature increases.
The guide then explains key electrical terms:
Definition: Charge - A property of a body which experiences a force in an electric field, measured in coulombs (C).
Definition: Current - The rate of flow of charge, measured in amperes or amps (A).
Definition: Potential difference - The push of electrical charge, measured in volts (V).
Definition: Resistance - Anything opposing the electrical current, measured in ohms (Ω).
The page also covers the characteristics of series and parallel circuits, providing clear explanations of how current, potential difference, and resistance behave in each type of circuit.
Highlight: In a series circuit, current is the same everywhere, while potential difference is shared between components. In a parallel circuit, potential difference is the same for each component, while current is shared.
The guide includes information on static electricity, explaining how it is caused by friction between materials and the resulting transfer of electrons. It also touches on the concept of electric fields and the forces experienced by charged objects within them.
Example: When materials are rubbed together, electrons move from one to the other, causing one material to become positively charged and the other negatively charged.
Lastly, the page introduces mains electricity, explaining the purpose of live, neutral, and earth wires in a standard UK electrical cable.
Highlight: The UK mains electricity operates at 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.
