An electric circuit is a closed path that allows electric current to flow. It consists of a power source like a battery, conductive wires, and electrical components like light bulbs. When the circuit is complete, current flows from the positive terminal through the circuit and back to the negative terminal.
Basic circuit components each serve specific functions. A battery provides electrical energy as the power source. A resistor controls the amount of current flowing through the circuit. A capacitor stores electrical charge temporarily. A switch controls whether current can flow by opening or closing the circuit path.
Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in electrical circuits. It states that voltage equals current times resistance. This means that if you increase the voltage, the current will increase proportionally. If you increase the resistance, the current will decrease. This relationship helps us calculate unknown values when we know two of the three quantities.
Circuits can be configured in two main ways: series and parallel. In a series circuit, components are connected in a single path, so the same current flows through all components, but voltages add up across each component. In a parallel circuit, components are connected across multiple paths, so each component receives the same voltage, but currents split and add up at junctions.
Electric circuits are fundamental to modern life and technology. They power our homes through lighting and electrical systems, enable electronic devices like smartphones and computers, drive electric vehicles, and form the backbone of power grids that distribute electricity. From simple flashlights to complex medical equipment, understanding circuits is essential for technological innovation and solving real-world problems.