Electric Circuits and Current Flow

An electric circuit is a closed loop that allows electric current to flow, consisting of a power source, conductors, and a load (like a light bulb).

In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, so the same current flows through all components. In a parallel circuit, components are connected across common points, allowing current to divide among them.

If one component fails in a series circuit, the entire circuit is broken, and all components stop working.

If one component fails in a parallel circuit, the other components continue to operate normally.

Electric current is the flow of electric charge, typically measured in amperes (A). It is caused by the movement of electrons through a conductor.

Conductors are materials that allow electric current to flow easily (e.g., copper, aluminum). Insulators are materials that resist the flow of electric current (e.g., rubber, glass).

A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy to provide power to a circuit.

Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, measured in volts (V). It is what pushes the electric current through the circuit.

Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω). It determines how much current will flow for a given voltage.

Ohm's Law states that the current (I) through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R): V = I × R.