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What are Circuits?
What are Circuits?
A circuit is a complete path that electricity can flow through. Just like water needs pipes to flow from one place to another, electricity needs a path made of wires and components to travel.
A Simple Circuit Has:
A power source (like a battery or USB power)
Wires (to carry the electricity)
An output (like an LED, buzzer, or motor)
Sometimes a switch (to control when electricity flows)
π’ Closed Circuit = Electricity Flows
A closed circuit means all the parts are connected properly β so electricity can flow in a loop, from the power source, through the components, and back again.
π΄ Open Circuit = Electricity Canβt Flow
An open circuit means the loop is broken β maybe a wire is disconnected, a component is missing, or a switch is turned off.
Virtual and Physical circuits
Virtual and Physical circuits
It's time to start creating your own simple circuits!
We'll be making them in two ways:
Virtual circuits in TinkerCad - brilliant for designing and testing
Physical circuits: Combining different physical components into working circuits
Here's the link to access TinkerCad:
https://www.tinkercad.com/joinclass
Class code: LJV S84 CTW
Key components
Key components
When building a circuit, each part has an important job. Here's what each component does:
π¦ Breadboard
A plastic board with lots of little holes.
Used to connect and hold your components without soldering.
Lets you build, change, and test circuits easily.
Think of it like a building base for your circuit β no tools or glue needed!
π Power Supply (Battery Pack)
Provides the electrical energy your circuit needs.
Usually holds AA batteries or a coin cell battery.
Has a positive (+) and negative (β) side to create a flow of electricity.
Like the "heart" that pumps electricity through your circuit.
𧡠Jumper Wires
Flexible wires used to connect parts together on the breadboard.
Come in different colors and lengths.
Carry electricity from one part to another.
Theyβre the βroadsβ that let electricity travel through your circuit.
π‘ LED Bulb (Light Emitting Diode)
A small light that turns on when electricity flows through it.
Has a long leg (+) and a short leg (β) β it only works in one direction!
π§ Think of it like a one-way street β electricity must flow the right way for the light to turn on.
π Resistor
Slows down the flow of electricity.
Protects components like LEDs from too much current.
Measured in ohms (Ξ©) β the higher the number, the more it resists.
π§ Like a speed bump in the road β it makes sure nothing goes too fast and breaks.
π Switch
Lets you open or close the circuit.
When the switch is on (closed) β electricity flows.
When itβs off (open) β electricity stops.
π§ Just like a light switch at home β you control when the circuit is working.
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