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Electrical Circuits

Definition

Electrical circuits are pathways through which electric current flows. They consist of interconnected components, such as batteries, resistors, and switches, that allow the flow of electrons.

Analogy

Think of an electrical circuit like a highway system. The wires in the circuit are like the roads, allowing the flow of traffic (current) to move from one place to another. The components in the circuit act like intersections or traffic lights, controlling and directing the flow of current.

Related terms

Voltage: Voltage is the potential difference between two points in a circuit. It represents the force that pushes electrons through a circuit.

Resistance: Resistance is a measure of how much a component opposes the flow of current in a circuit. It determines how much voltage is needed to produce a certain amount of current.

Ohm's Law: Ohm's Law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it and inversely proportional to its resistance. It can be expressed as I = V/R, where I is current, V is voltage, and R is resistance.