Chapter 1

Working with Basic Circuits

In This Chapter

arrow Examining the basic elements of circuits

arrow Powering your circuits with different batteries

arrow Categorising switches for controlling your circuits

arrow Using series and parallel circuits and switches

This chapter explores the basic concepts of an electronic circuit. The circuits we cover are very simple, consisting of nothing other than batteries that supply voltage, wires that carry current and lamps that consume power (because they light up in the process!). We also throw in some switches that let you turn the circuit on and off.

Although simple, these circuits are a great introduction to the more complicated ones that we describe throughout this minibook, where we add additional elements such as resistors, capacitors, coils and diodes in Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, and transistors (in Chapter 6) and integrated circuits in Book III. Reading this minibook helps you to become familiar with all the basic components of electronic circuits.

What Is a Circuit?

A circuit is a complete course of conductors through which current can ...

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