What is an electrical circuit?

An electrical circuit is a combination of various active and passive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, etc. forming an electrical network. In a closed circuit, electric current flows from a source (such as a battery) in a conductive material (such as wires and wires) to a load (i.e. a light bulb) and then back to the source.

What is an electrical network?

The combination of various electrical elements and components connected in any way (simple or complex configuration) is called an electrical network. This is the same term used for electrical circuits, but it is more often associated with complex networks solved by the network theorem.

complex network

A circuit containing many electrical elements such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, current and voltage sources (both AC and DC) in which all the components and elements of the circuit are configured in a complex way is called a complex network. This type of network cannot be easily solved with Ohm's simple law or Kirchhoff's law. If so, the number of equations will be more visible.

The easiest way to solve and analyze complex networks is to use special techniques such as network theorems, namely Norton's theorem, Thevenin's theorem, superposition theorem, star-delta transformation, supernode circuit analysis, and supermesh, etc.

Type of electrical circuit

There are many types of electrical circuit such as:

Open circuit

A circuit that does not have a return path for current to flow (i.e. one that is not complete) is known as an open circuit. In other words, a circuit in which the voltage tends to the EMF (generator) and no current flows is called an open circuit.

Open circuit example: Open circuit breaker or blown fuse where a light bulb is connected to a battery. So the light bulb does not light up because the circuit is not complete, that is, the circuit is open and there is no current flowing through it.

Closed circuit

A circuit that has a return path for current flow (i.e. a complete circuit) is known as a closed circuit.

Short circuit example: closed switch circuit where a light bulb is connected to a battery. Then the bulb lights up when current flows into the filament of the bulb because the circuit is complete.

Short circuit

A circuit that has a return path for current to flow into it where resistance = zero. (i.e. a complete or closed circuit with no load connected) is known as a short circuit. In other words, a circuit in which the voltage goes to zero and the current goes to infinity is called a short circuit.

Short circuit example: a circuit with a closed switch with no load connected to the supply voltage. In other words, when the Hot or Line wire touches the Neutral wire, there is no load between them. In this case, the fuse will blow or the circuit breaker will trip. If adequate protection is not provided, a short circuit can damage the device or cause serious injury.

circuits in series

In this circuit, all electrical circuit (voltage or current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors, etc.) are connected in series, that is, there is only one path for the electric trigger, that is, this is a one-branch circuit.

Parallel circuit

In this circuit, all electrical elements (voltage and current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors, etc.) are connected in parallel, that is, there are many paths for electrical triggers, and the minimum branch in this circuit is two.

Series-parallel circuit

If the elements of the circuit are connected in series in some parts and in parallel in others, it will be a series-parallel circuit. In other words, it is a combination of series, parallel and series-parallel circuits.