Electricity: Basics of Electrical Components

16 Dec 2023

Introduction to Basics of Electrical Components

Electricity has an important place in modern society. It is a controllable and convenient form of energy for a variety of uses in homes, schools, hospitals, industries and so on.  Electricity makes it possible to light our homes, roads, offices, markets and factories even after sunset. A power station provides us with electricity which helps us to continue working at night.

Understanding Electricity and Key of Electrical Components in Modern Society

  • Electric Conductors: The materials which allow electric current to pass through them are good conductors of electricity. 
    • Good Conductor: Electrical components of a given size that offer low resistance are good conductors. 
    • Elements: Objects made of metals or metal alloys are good conductors of electricity.
      • Example: Iron, steel, copper, gold, aluminum, mercury, brass etc. 
    • Human Body as Conductor: Our body is also a conductor of electricity.
  • Insulators: The materials which do not allow electric current to pass through them easily are insulators. 
    • Example: Rubber, wood, plastics, glass, wood, air etc.
    • It offers a higher resistance than poor conductors. 

The Role of Switches in Controlling Circuit Flow

  • An electrical component, the switch is a simple device that either breaks the circuit or completes it to stop or start the flow of electricity.
    • It can be placed anywhere in the circuit.
  • Switch ON: When the switch is in the ‘ON’ position, the circuit from the positive terminal of the battery to the negative terminal is complete and the current flows throughout the circuit instantly. 
    • Thus the circuit is then said to be closed.
  • Switch OFF: When the switch is in the ‘OFF’ position, the circuit is incomplete. 
    • No current flows through any part of the circuit, thus it is said to be open. 
Circuit Flow
A switch in ‘on’ position

Empowering Devices: The Role of Electric Cells as Essential Electrical Components 

  • It contains chemicals inside it and converts it into electrical energy. 
    • They are a common source of electricity and have two terminals namely positive and negative.
    • Electric cells are used in a number of devices such as a torch, radio, toys, alarm clocks, wristwatches and so on. 
Circuit Flow
A switch in ‘off’ position

Empowering Devices: The Role of Electric Cells as Essential Electrical Components 

  • It contains chemicals inside it and converts it into electrical energy. 
    • They are a common source of electricity and have two terminals namely positive and negative.
    • Electric cells are used in a number of devices such as a torch, radio, toys, alarm clocks, wristwatches and so on. 

Power Packed: Understanding Batteries as Essential Electrical Components in Various Devices

  • Battery is a combination of two or more cells combined together in a series.
    • Cells are connected in such a way that the positive terminal of one cell is connected to the negative terminal of the next cell.
    • Cells are not always placed one after the other. Sometimes they are placed side by side.
    • Many devices such as torches, transistors, toys, TV remote controls, use batteries.

Current Control: The Role of Ammeters as Crucial Electrical Components in Measuring Electric Flow 

  • An ammeter, an essential component, functions as an instrument dedicated to measuring electric current within a circuit.  
    • It is always connected in series in a circuit through which the current is to be measured.

Voltage Insight: The Voltmeter as a Key Electrical Component for Measuring Potential Difference in Parallel Circuits 

  • Voltmeter is an instrument to measure the potential difference
    • It is always connected in parallel across the points between which the potential difference is to be measured.

Exploring Electrical Components: Exploring Symbols and Meanings in Electronic Representations

  • Some common electrical components can be represented by symbols. 
    • Example: in the symbol of the electric cell, the longer line represents the positive terminal and the thicker, shorter line represents the negative terminal.
electric circuit components
Symbols for some electric circuit components

Conclusion
In summary, the dynamic synergy of electrical components underscores their pivotal role in our technological evolution. From the nuanced control facilitated by switches, the power supplied by electric cells to drive everyday devices, to the symbolic language encoded in visual representations, these components collectively define the backbone of our modern infrastructure. Their intricate interplay continues to propel innovation, shaping a future where convenience and efficiency are seamlessly interwoven.

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