Simple circuit
A Simple circuit contains the minimum things needed to have a functioning electric circuit. It requires three things:
- A source of electrical potential difference or voltage. (typically a battery or electrical outlet)
- A conductive path which would allow for the movement of charges. (typically made of wire)
- An electrical resistance (resistor) which is loosely defined as any object that uses electricity to do work. (a light bulb, electric motor, heating element, speaker, etc.)
Despite being considered simple, such circuits are useful and quite common. Examples include:
- flashlights
- doorbells
- kitchen appliances
From a Physics point of view, simple circuits display many of the rules that govern the behavior of electricity in circuits. Ohm's law describes mathematically the relationship between current and voltage (potential difference). The greater the potential difference, the greater the current. The greater the resistance of the circuit, the lower the current. This holds true for any circuit as long as the temperature does not change.