Definition of Electric Circuit
An electric circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows from a source (like a cell
or battery), through electrical components (such as bulbs, resistors, switches), and back to the
source.
If the circuit is open (broken), current does not flow.
Types of Electric Circuits
1. Open Circuit
A circuit in which the path is broken.
No current flows.
Example: Switch is OFF.
2. Closed Circuit
A circuit in which the path is complete.
Current flows.
Example: Switch is ON.
3. Series Circuit
Components are connected one after another in a single path.
Same current flows through all components.
If one component fails, the entire circuit stops working.
4. Parallel Circuit
Components are connected across common points.
Each component has a separate path for current.
Used in household wiring.
Type of Circuit Description
Open Circuit Broken path, no current
Closed Circuit Complete path, current flows
Series Circuit Single path for current
Parallel Circuit Multiple paths for current
Comparison Between Series and Parallel Circuits
Feature Series Circuit Parallel Circuit
Connection of Connected one after another in a
Connected across the same two points
components single path
Number of paths Only one path for current More than one path for current
Same current flows through all
Flow of current Current is divided among components
components
Voltage across
Voltage is divided Same voltage across each component
components
Equivalent resistance Total resistance increases Total resistance decreases
If one component fails, entire Failure of one component does not
Effect of failure
circuit stops affect others
Brightness of bulbs Bulbs glow dimmer Bulbs glow brighter
Use in homes Not used Used in household wiring
Wiring required Less More
Examples Decorative lights Home electrical appliances
Difference Between Current and Voltage
Feature Electric Current Voltage (Potential Difference)
Meaning Flow of electric charge in a circuit Force that causes charges to flow
Definition Amount of charge flowing per unit time Work done per unit charge
Symbol I V
SI Unit Ampere (A) Volt (V)
Measuring device Ammeter Voltmeter
Connection of device Connected in series Connected in parallel
Role in circuit Shows how much current flows Pushes current through the circuit
Example Water flowing in a pipe Pressure pushing water
Current → Flow of charges
Voltage → Push for the flow
Resistance and Ohm’s Law
Resistance
Definition: Resistance is the property of a conductor that opposes the flow of electric current
in a circuit.
Symbol: R
SI Unit: Ohm (Ω)
Factors Affecting Resistance:
1. Length of conductor – longer wire → more resistance
2. Thickness (area of cross-section) – thicker wire → less resistance
3. Material of conductor – copper has less resistance than iron
4. Temperature – increase in temperature increases resistance
Ohm’s Law
Statement:
At constant temperature, the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to
the voltage applied across it.
Mathematical Form:
Where:
( V ) = Voltage (Volt)
( I ) = Current (Ampere)
( R ) = Resistance (Ohm)
Uses of Ohm’s Law
To calculate current, voltage, or resistance
Used in designing electrical circuits
Helps in solving numerical problems
Limitations of Ohm’s Law
Not applicable to:
o Diodes
o Transistors
o Filament lamps (at high temperature)
Resistor and Variable Resistor
Resistor
Definition:
A resistor is an electrical component that is used to limit or control the flow of electric current
in a circuit.
Symbol:
Fixed zig-zag or rectangular symbol
SI Unit:
Ohm (Ω)
Functions:
Controls current
Protects devices from excess current
Produces heat (used in heaters)
Examples:
Electric heater
Iron
Bulb filament
Variable Resistor
Definition:
A variable resistor is a resistor whose resistance can be changed as required to control the
current in a circuit.
Symbol:
Resistor with an arrow over it
Common Types:
1. Rheostat – used to control current
2. Potentiometer – used to control voltage
Functions:
Adjusts current or voltage
Used to increase or decrease brightness or speed
Examples:
Volume control in radio
Fan speed regulator
Light dimmer
Difference Between Resistor and Variable Resistor
Feature Resistor Variable Resistor
Resistance value Fixed Can be changed
Control Limits current to a fixed value Controls current or voltage
Adjustment Cannot be adjusted Can be adjusted
Example Heater coil Fan regulator
Fixed resistor → constant resistance
Variable resistor → adjustable resistance