Electrical circuits are virtually represented by circuit diagrams and electrical symbols. The pictorial representation of various electrical devices in a circuit diagram is known as an electrical symbol. Some unique electrical symbols denote various electrical components in a circuit, and these symbols are largely standardised. This article will acquaint you with the most frequently used electrical symbols for constructing and analysing circuit diagrams.
What is an Electric Circuit?
A system of conducting elements that are designed to conduct electric current for a particular purpose is known as an electric circuit. An electric circuit consists of a source of electrical energy; elements that either transform, dissipate, or store this energy; connecting wires. To prevent power overload, circuits often include a fuse or circuit breakers.
A Short History of Circuits and Systems
The first electric circuit was invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800. Volta discovered that he could produce a steady flow of electricity using bowls of salt solution connected by metal strips. Later, he used alternating discs of copper, zinc, and cardboard that had been soaked in a salt solution to create his voltaic pile (an early battery). He successfully made the electric current flow through the circuit by attaching a wire running from top to bottom. The first practical use of electric current was employed in electrolysis, which further led to the development of new chemical elements.
Components of an Electric Circuit
Electric circuits are amazing. Have you ever seen the game of Steady Hands? It is a circuit with a twisty wire between two points. The point of the game is to move a metallic object from one end of the electric wire to the other. If you touch the wire while moving this metallic object, the circuit buzzes, and you are out. It’s a fun game that can be made with stuff you can find at home. Let’s analyze an electric circuit and dive deeper into its components.
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