The Basic Parts of an Electric Circuit

Every electric circuit, no matter how large or small it is, has four basic parts: an energy source (AC or DC), a conductor (wire), an electrical load/receiver (device),  at least one controller (switch) and  protection elements. For a circuit to exist, there must be at least one generator, one conductor and one receiver/load device that uses electricity and transforms it.

Power Sources.

The power source provides the voltage (the force that pushes electrons through a conductor measured in volts) to energize a device connected to the circuit. A voltage power source provides a constant voltage level to the circuit. 

Batteries are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. The fundamental structure of a battery consists of two electrodes, metal in most cases, introduced into an electrically conductive solution. Batteries, unlike car batteries, are not rechargeable.

An electrical generator is any device capable of maintaining an electrical potential difference, voltage, between two of its points by transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy. This transformation is achieved by the action of a magnetic field on the electrical conductors.

The Conductors

Conductors are the elements that connect the elements inside the circuits. Depends on how are load devices connected affect circuit operation, can be: series end to end, parallel side by side or mixed. Another definition conductors are considered the wiring in a home or device that provides the path of the circuit, on which the energy flows. The conductor (conduction) system interconnects all elements of the circuits.