How Do Simple Circuits Work - Wiring Flow Schema

Have you ever wondered how electricity works? It can be intimidating to think about powering an entire home, but it’s really not as complicated as it might seem. Simple circuits are the foundation of electricity and understanding them is a great place to start when learning about how electricity works.

At a basic level, a simple circuit is a loop formed by connecting electrical components with conducting wires. In a circuit, electrons flow from the negative terminal of the power source—like a battery—to the positive terminal, and back again. This is called a current, and it flows in one direction. The components that make up a simple circuit are the power source, the switch, and the load. The power source provides the energy that drives the electrons around the loop, while the switch opens and closes the circuit to control the flow of electrons. Finally, the load is the device that uses the electric current produced by the circuit.

When the switch is closed, the circuit is complete and electric current flows freely through it. This causes the load to do work – like turning a light on or powering a fan. When the switch is open, the circuit is broken and the electrons can’t flow freely, so the load stops receiving power. A simple circuit will usually have one or two switches, depending on the complexity of the device it is powering.

Simple circuits are the foundation of modern electronics. They are used in everything from the most advanced computers to the simplest household appliances. Understanding how these circuits work is the first step to becoming an expert in electricity and understanding how the world around us works.

Basic Electricity