Components of An Electric Circuit

AN INTRODUCTION TO
Components of an
Electric Circuit
Ananya Aravind
What is an Electric Circuit?
An electric current flows from the end of the cell

marked ‘+’ (positive terminal) to the end of the cell
marked ‘-’ (negative terminal).
A closed path along which an electric current can

flow is called an electric circuit.
In this presentation, we will understand how a simple circuit looks and

works.
Learning Outcomes
Define what an electric circuit is.

Identify the components and working of a closed
circuit.
Cite advancements in these components that
have affected our daily lives.
Electric Components and their Symbols
The commonly used
components in an
electric circuit consists
of an electric cell,
electric battery,
switch, connecting
wires, light bulb, a
light emitting diode
(LED) and a resistor.
An illustration of an
electric circuit wit such
symbols is called a
circuit diagram.
Electric Cell: It two terminals, one positive and the other negative.
It converts chemical energy into electric energy and is used to
apply potential difference between two ends.
Electric Battery: It is a combination of two or more cells and
consists of similar properties.
Switch/Key: It is used to stop or start the flow of electric current.
Connecting Wires: They are conductors that allow electric charge
to pass through them.
Diode: It allows current to flow easily in one direction, but severely
restricts current from flowing in the opposite direction.
Light Bulb: It glows when connected to a closed circuit and is also

used to test the flow of electric current.
LED: It has two terminals, namely anode and cathode and is a light
source. Unlike a light bulb, It permits current only in one direction.
Resistor: It is a two terminal component that is used to reduce the
flow of electric current by offering obstacles in the path of flow of
electric current.
Capacitor: It is a two-terminal passive electrical component that
can store electrical energy in an electric field. This effect of a
capacitor is known as capacitance.
Working of an electric circuit
Potential difference
can be applied in a
closed circuit as it
involves the flow of
current from a higher
to lower potential.
Hence, in order for
electricity to flow, the
circuit must be closed.
In the given diagram,
current flows from the
positive to negative
terminal of the battery
and arrows are marked
to show the flow.
The usage of these components and their advancements have
impacted electronic devices and the environment immensly.
Let us learn about some of their uses in today’s world and their
effects.
Advancements in Electric Components
Batteries: Advanced battery technologies include creating batteries

with better energy density, lifespan and cost as well as the
development of innovative charging methods, such as fast and
wireless charging. They mainly focus on lithium-ion batteries but also
include research on other types.
Capacitor: Supercapacitors are made up of carbon metal oxides that
improve its storage capacity, instant charging, temperature tolerance
and higher power density. They have been developing throughout the
years, with advancements in nanomaterials.
Advancements in Electric Components
LEDs: One of the most recent advancements in LED technologies

include producing more light while consuming less energy. This not
only reduces electricity costs but also promotes sustainability by
reducing carbon emissions. Another advancement includes the
development of smart LED lighting systems that consist of contols to
increase efficiency.
Semiconductors: In recent years, researchers have experimented
with variations of semiconductor materials with respect to Moore’s
Law which states that the number of circuits in a microchip doubles
every 2 years. These materials include tin oxide, pyrite and graphene.
Technological advancements in these
components have further imporved their
efficiency and also affected the
environment positively by reducing
energy consumption. As technology
continues to evolve, these components
too will enhance interms of durability,
speed and performance.
Citations
fpsupdate. “12 Basic Electronic Symbols and Their Functions.” Free Online PCB CAD Library, 20 July 2021,
www.ultralibrarian.com/2021/07/20/12-basic-electronic-symbols-and-their-functions-ulc. Accessed 3 Jan.
2024.
Das, Santosh. “Basic Electronic Components - Types, Functions, Symbols.” Electronics Tutorial | Best
Electronics Tutorial Website, 11 July 2019, www.electronicsandyou.com/basic-electronic-components-types-
functions-symbols.html. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.
‌
Admin. “Capacitor and Capacitance - Formula, Uses, Factors Affecting Capacitance, FAQs.” BYJUS, BYJU’S, 16
Dec. 2015, byjus.com/physics/capacitor-and-
capacitance/#:~:text=FAQs-,What%20Is%20a%20Capacitor%3F,material%20known%20as%20a%20dielectric.
Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.
“The Future of the Semiconductor Industry - IEEE IRDSTM.” Ieee.org, 2022, irds.ieee.org/topics. Accessed 3
Jan. 2024.
Admin. “Advancements in LED Technologies.” Globaltech Ventures, Global Tech Ventures Inc., 2 Aug. 2016,
www.gtvinc.com/advancements-led-
technologies/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20significant,light%20while%20consuming%20less%20ener
gy. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.

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AN INTRODUCTION TO

An electric current flows from the end of the cell

A closed path along which an electric current can

In this presentation, we will understand how a simple circuit looks and

Define what an electric circuit is.

Light Bulb: It glows when connected to a closed circuit and is also

Batteries: Advanced battery technologies include creating batteries

LEDs: One of the most recent advancements in LED technologies

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