1. Creating Circuit Diagrams

2. Recall: An electric circuit is…
A continuous path in which electrons can flow
A circuit consists of an energy source, conducting wires, a load and a switch

3. Circuit Diagrams
A way of drawing an electric circuit using standard symbols

4. Steps in Drawing a Circuit Diagram
From the circuit description:
Identify what devices are included in the circuit
Find the symbols for the corresponding circuit components
Identify and draw the power source (ie. battery) first and work from one end of the cell to the other
Always draw the switch between the negative terminal and before the first load
NOTE: Connecting wires are always drawn as straight lines (using a ruler) meeting at 90º

5. 1. Electric Cell Source of power/electrical current
A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
NOTE: Positive & negative signs identify the two terminals of an energy source
Longer line = Positive
Shorter line = Negative

6. 2. Battery 1 or more cells joined together
Can also represent a power supply
1 cell = 1.5 V
How would you draw a 9 V battery?

7. 3. Light bulb
- Example of a load, converting electrical energy into light energy

8. 4. Motor
- Example of a load that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy

9. 5. Resistor
A device that reduces the flow of electrons through a circuit
Examples: Volume controls or dimmer light switches

10. 6. Conducting wire
- Allows electrons to flow from one point to another in a circuit

11. 7. Wires Joined

12. 8. Ground Connecting an object with an electric charge to the ground
Creates discharge of electrons and a neutral object

13. 9. Ammeter
- Measures current in amperes

14. 10. Voltmeter
- Measures voltage in volts

15. 11. Switch Controls the flow of electrons in an electric circuit
A closed switch means the circuit is ON and that there is a complete path for electrons to flow
An open switch means the circuit is OFF and the path is incomplete
OPEN
CLOSED

16. 12. Fuse
A safety device that prevents too much electricity from flowing through a circuit
Breaks circuit if too much current is flowing and would need to be replaced

17. Task #1:
Draw a circuit diagram for a circuit that contains a three cell-battery and connecting wires.

18. Answer: + -

19. Task #2:
Using the diagrams you created yesterday based on your constructed circuits, draw a circuit diagram
REMEMBER: Always use a ruler to draw conducting wires as straight lines