Download 20.3 Electric Circuits

Ms. Kammerer
 An
electric circuit is a complete path
through which charge can flow.
 Symbols are used to represent parts of a
circuit


Source of electrical energy
Devices that are run by the electrical energy
 Switches
are places where the circuit can be
opened.


If the switch is open, the circuit is not a
complete loop, current stops
When the switch is closed, the circuit will
resume flow
 Direction
of current is the direction in which
positive charges flow
 Charge
has only one path it can flow.
 If one element stops functioning in a series
circuit, none of the elements can operate.
 What are sources of resistance?
 An
electrical circuit with two or more paths
through which charges can flow
 Power
is the rate of doing work
 Electric power is the rate at which electrical
energy is converted to another form of
energy
 Unit is watt (W)
 Electric Power
P(watts) = I (amps) x V (volts)
 1.
A clothes dryer uses about 27 amps of
current from a 240-volt line. How much
power does it use?

P = I x V = (240V)(27A) = 6500 W
A
camcorder has a power rating of 2.3 watts.
If the output voltage from its battery is 7.2
volts, what current does it use?

I = P/V = (2.3W)/(7.2V) = 0.32A
A
power tool uses about 12 amps of current
and has a power rating of 1440 watts. What
voltage does the tool require?

V = P/I = (1440 W)/(12 A) = 120 V
E
=Pxt
 Correct
wiring, fuses, circuit breakers,
insulation, and grounded plugs help make
electrical energy safe to use.


All wires must be able to carry max expected
current
“Blowing a fuse”- a wire will melt if too much
current passes through it

A circuit breaker is a switch that will open when
current is too high

Grounding – the transfer of excess charge
through a conductor to Earth