Circuit Analysis & Measurement

Circuit Analysis & Measurement

Understanding the relationship between current and voltage is crucial in electrical circuits. Before we can dive deeper into that relationship though, we need to understand how we can create visual representations of circuits to aid in our analysis, and how we can take measurements to find values of current and voltage.

Measuring Current and Voltage

• Ammeter: Measures electric current in amperes (A).

• Voltmeter: Measures potential difference in volts (V).

• Current: Measure of electric charge flow in a circuit.

• Potential Difference: Variation in energy between two sections of a circuit.

• Using Ammeter: Connect in series to measure current through a component.

• Using Voltmeter: Connect in parallel to measure potential difference across a component.

Voltmeter

Voltmeter is used to measure potential difference in a circuit. It is an instrument that measures electric potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. It is connected in parallel to the component or circuit being measured.

Measuring Current and Voltage

• Ammeter: Measures the amount of electric charge flowing through a circuit.

• Voltmeter: Measures the potential difference across a component in a circuit.

• Battery Rating: Indicates the potential difference it will supply.

• Bulb Rating: Specifies the maximum potential difference it can safely handle.

• Potential Difference: Measured in volts (V).

• Circuit Diagrams: Simplified drawings of real circuits, using symbols for components and straight lines for wires.

Current and Voltage Measurements

To measure current, use an ammeter, which measures the flow of electric charge in a circuit. To measure voltage, use a voltmeter, which measures the potential difference between two points in a circuit. A circuit diagram is a visual representation of a circuit, showing the components and connections. Guidelines for drawing one include using standard symbols, labeling components, and using clear and concise lines. Circuit diagrams are important for understanding and analyzing circuits, and are used by engineers, electricians, and students to design and troubleshoot circuits.

Analyzing Circuits

• Circuit diagrams are essential tools for electrical engineers and technicians to analyze circuits. They provide a visual representation of the circuit's components and connections, allowing for easier troubleshooting and design. Circuit diagrams use symbols to represent different electrical components, such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. By studying these diagrams, engineers can understand how a circuit works and identify any issues or improvements needed.

  • Check out the following slides for some common symbols you will see in circuit diagrams.
    

BATTERY

LAMP

SWITCH (open)

SWITCH (Closed)

RESISTOR

VOLTMETER

AMMETER

Two types of Circuits

In this course, we will be looking at two, basic types of DC circuits: parallel & series.

• ​Parallel: there are multiple pathways for electricity to travel

• ​Series: there is only one pathway for electricity to travel

​Series Circuits

• ​In a series circuit, there is only one path for electricity to travel.

• ​If one part of the circuit stops working (the load, the wires, or the power source) the entire circuit stops working.

​Parallel Circuit

• ​In a parallel circuit, there is more than one pathway for electricity to flow.

• ​If one part of the parallel circuit stops working, the electricity will still flow.

Multiple Choice

Which instrument is used to measure potential difference in a circuit?

• Ammeter

• Voltmeter

• Current

• Using Ammeter

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of a circuit diagram?

• To measure current

• To measure voltage

• To design and troubleshoot circuits

• To analyze circuits

Multiple Choice

Current is measured in....

• Amps 
• Volts
• Ohms
• Coulombs

Multiple Choice

What 'flows' in a wire?

• Protons
• Neutrons
• Atoms
• Electrons

Multiple Choice

brass is a _____?

• insulator
• conductor

Multiple Choice

this is the symbol for a _____?

• switch
• light 
• battery
• wires

Multiple Choice

what is this symbol for?

• light bulb
• switch
• battery
• resistor

Multiple Choice

What kind of circuit is this?

• Series
• Consecutive
• Parallel
• Training

Multiple Choice

What kind of circuit is this?

• Series
• Consecutive
• Parallel
• Training

Multiple Choice

In a parallel circuit if one of the light bulbs burns out the rest _________.

• stop the flow of electricity
•  can still light up
•  will go out
• of the light bulbs burn out also

Multiple Choice

How should you put in an Ammeter?

• In Parallel
• In Series

Multiple Choice

Does this diagram represent a series or parallel circuit?

• series circuit
• parallel circuit

Multiple Choice

Does this diagram represent a series or parallel circuit?

• series circuit
• parallel circuit

Multiple Choice

Voltage is measured in __.

• volts.
• watts.
• coulombs. 

Multiple Choice

A voltmeter should be placed ........... in a circuit

• in parallel
• in series
• in order
• upside down