Basic electrical principles and circuits

Basic Electrical Principles

Electric current is the flow of electric charge. It is usually caused by moving electrons and is measured in amperes (A).
Voltage, also known as electrical potential difference, is the force that pushes the current through a circuit, and it is measured in volts (V).
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current, leading to the conversion of electrical energy into heat. It is measured in ohms (Ω).
Ohm’s Law is a basic principle in electricity. It states that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance between them. Its formula is I = V/R.
Power in an electrical circuit is the rate at which energy is consumed or transformed. It is measured in watts (W) and can be calculated by using the formula P = IV.

Electrical Circuits

An electrical circuit is a closed path that allows electricity to flow from a power source to a load and back.
In a series circuit, all components are connected end-to-end to form only one path for current to flow.
In a parallel circuit, components are connected alongside each other, forming multiple paths for the current.
Direct current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of electric charge, most commonly found in batteries.
Alternating current (AC) is a type of current in which the direction of the flow of electric charge periodically reverses. It’s typically used in households and industries.
Circuit diagrams use symbols to represent different parts of the circuit, such as resistors, batteries, and switches.
You can measure the voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit using a tool known as a multimeter.

Remember that understanding electrical principles and circuits is crucial in the field of engineering. This knowledge forms the basis for analyzing, troubleshooting, and designing various electrical systems.