Analyzing Electric Circuits Electric Circuit Electric Network Electrical Circuit electrical network Electronic Circuit

What is an Electric Circuit? Types of Circuits and Network

What is an Electric Circuit? Types of Circuits and Network . An electric circuit is a representation of a real circuit that is used to connect different devices. Electric circuits have various components. We need to learn about all these components to understand the electrical circuit and the flow of current in it.

Alessandro Volta was the first to come up with the idea of an electric circuit in 1800. Volta discovered that by connecting bowls of salt solution with metal strips, he could create a continuous flow of electricity. Later, he made his voltaic pile out of alternating discs of copper, zinc, and cardboard that had been soaked in a salt solution (an early battery). By connecting a wire from top to bottom, he was able to make the electric current flow across the circuit.

What is an Electric Circuit?

An electric circuit is a closed loop network which provides a return path for the flow of current. Or a closed conducting path in which current can flow is called a circuit. An electric circuit is also known as electrical network or electrical circuit.

An electrical circuit is the combination of different active and passive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors etc. which form an electrical network. In a closed-loop circuit, the electric current flows from the source (such as battery) in the conducting material (e.g. wires and cables) to the load (i.e. light bulb) and hence returns back to the source.

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Key Components of an Electric Circuit

To grasp what an electric circuit means, understanding its components is essential. Each part plays a specific role in enabling current to flow.

1. Power Source : A power source, such as a battery or generator, provides the energy required for current flow. Common types include:

DC Sources: Batteries, solar cells.
AC Sources: Electrical outlets, generators.

2. Conductors : Conductors like copper or aluminum wires allow electricity to flow between components. They have low resistance and are crucial for forming connections.

3. Load : The load refers to devices that consume electrical energy, such as:

Light bulbs.
Fans.
Motors.

4. Switch : Switches control the flow of electricity by opening or closing the circuit. Examples include light switches, circuit breakers, and push buttons.

5. Resistors : Resistors limit the flow of electric current, protecting other components and controlling voltage levels.

6. Capacitors : Capacitors store electrical energy temporarily and help stabilize voltage and power flow in circuits.

7. Inductors : Inductors oppose changes in current and are used in applications like transformers and filters.

How Does an Electric Circuit Work?

An circuit works by facilitating the flow of electrons through a closed loop. When a circuit is powered, the following process occurs:

Voltage Generation: The power source generates voltage, creating an electric field.
Electron Flow: Electrons flow through conductors, driven by the electric field.
Energy Conversion: Energy is transferred to the load, converting electrical energy into light, heat, or motion.
Return Path: Electrons return to the power source, completing the loop.

What is Electronic Circuits?

Electronic Circuit is a type of electric circuit consisting of many electronic components such as diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors etc. where at least one of active components must be presented in the circuit which further differentiate it from the electrical circuit. This way, it is known as an electronic circuit instead of an electrical circuit.

What is an Electrical Network?

A combination of different electric elements and components which are connected in any way (simple or complex configuration) is called an electric network. It is the same term used for an electric circuit but most commonly associated with the complex networks which are solved by network theorems.

Complex Networks

A circuit which contains many electrical elements such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, current and voltage sources (both AC and DC) where all the circuit components and elements are complexly configured is called a complex network. These kinds of networks can’t be solved easily by simple Ohm’s Law or Kirchhoff’s laws. If so, the number of equations will be noticeable more.

The easiest way to solve and analyze a complex network is using specific techniques such as network theorems i.e. Norton’s theorem, Thevenin’s theorem, Superposition theorem, star – delta transformation, Supernode and supermesh circuit analysis etc.

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Types of Electric Circuits

There are many types of electrical circuits such as:

Open Circuit
Closed Circuit
Short Circuit
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
Series-Parallel Circuit
Star-Delta Circuit
AC Circuit
DC Circuit
Single-Phase Circuit
Three-Phase Circuit
Resistive Circuit
Inductive Circuit
Capacitive Circuit
Resistive, Inductive (RL Circuit)
Resistive, Capacitive (RC Circuit)
Capacitive, Inductive (LC Circuits)
Resistive, Inductive, Capacitive (RLC Circuit)
Linear Circuit
Non Linear Circuit
Unilateral Circuits
Bi-lateral Circuits
Active Circuit
Passive Circuit

We will briefly discuss one by one as follows.

Open Circuit

A circuit which has no return path for current to flow in it (i.e. which is not completed) is known as an open circuit. In other words, a circuit where voltage tends to the EMF (of generating source) and no current is flowing at all is called an open circuit.

Example of an open circuit: A circuit with an open switch or blown fuse where the light bulb connected to the battery. So the bulb won’t glow as the circuit is not completed i.e. it is an open circuit and there is no flowing current in it.

Closed Circuit

A circuit which has a return path for current to flow in it (i.e. completed circuit) is known as closed circuit.

Example of a short circuit: A circuit with a close switch where the light bulb connected to the battery. So the bulb glows as current is flowing in the filament of the bulb due to the completed circuit.

Short Circuit

A circuit which has a return path for current to flow in it where the value of resistance = zero. (i.e. completed or closed circuit without connected load) is known as short circuit. In other words, A circuit where voltage tends to zero and current tends to infinity is called a short circuit.

Example of a short circuit: A circuit with a close switch without load connected to the supply voltage. In other words, when a Phase or Line wire touches the Neutral wire without a load between them. In that case, the fuse will blow or the circuit breaker will trip. In absence of proper protection, the short circuit may damage the appliance or cause a very serious injury.

Series Circuit

In this circuits, all the electrical elements (Voltage or Current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors etc) are connected in series i.e. There is only one path for traveling electricity e.g. these are single branch circuits.

Parallel Circuit

In this circuits, all the electrical elements (Voltage and Current sources, inductors, capacitors, resistors etc) are connected in parallel i.e. There are many paths for traveling electricity and the minimum branches in this circuit are two.

Series-Parallel Circuit

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

Following are more derived circuits of the Series, parallel, and Series-parallel circuits

Pure Resistive Circuit
Pure Inductive Circuit
Pure Capacitive Circuit
Resistive, Inductive Circuit i.e. RL Circuit
Resistive, Capacitive Circuit i.e. RC Circuit
Capacitive, Inductive Circuits i.e. LC Circuits
Resistive, Inductive, Capacitive Circuit i.e. RLC Circuit
Series & Parallel of R, L & C Circuits
Combination of Series-Parallel Circuit i.e. Complex Circuit

In the given circuits, all the above-mentioned components or elements may be connected in series, parallel, or in both combinations of series-parallel configuration.

Star-Delta Circuit

These kinds of circuits are connected in Star connection or delta connection. In these circuits, electrical elements are connected in a way that is undefined in terms of series, parallel or series-parallel configuration. Star delta circuits can be solved by Star to Delta and Delta to Star transformation.

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Before analyzing an electric circuit and network, you must know the following useful terms associated with electric circuits which specify the nature and characteristics of a circuit.

AC Circuit

A circuit containing an AC supply source of voltage is known as AC circuits. The supply sources for example are alternator and synchronous generators.

DC Circuit

A circuit containing a DC supply source of voltage is known as DC circuits. The supply sources for example are batteries and DC generators.

Single Phase Circuits

The AC power where all the voltages have the same sinusoidal pattern at a specific time period is known as single phase AC supply. In single phase AC circuits, only two wires (known as phase or line and Neutral) are needed to complete the circuit.

Polyphase Circuits

Poly means more than one. As the name suggests, the AC power where there are three sinusoidal voltages having 120° phase difference. In three phase AC circuits, three phase three wires or three phase four wires are needed to complete the circuit.

Circuit’s Parameters, Constants and Related Terms

Different components or elements which are used in electric circuits are called circuit’s parameters or constants i.e. resistance, capacitance, inductance, frequency etc. These parameters can be lumped or distributed.

Active Circuit

A circuit which contains on one or more EMF (Electromotive force) sources is called Active Circuit

Passive Circuit

A circuit, in which no one EMF source exist is called Passive Circuit

Linear and Non Linear Circuits

Linear Circuit

A linear circuit is an electric circuit in which circuit parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance, waveform, frequency etc) are constant. In other words, a circuit whose parameters are not changed with respect to current and voltage is called a linear circuit.

Non Linear Circuit

A nonlinear circuit is an electric circuit whose parameters are varied with respect to current and voltage. In other words, an electric circuit in which circuit parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance, waveform, frequency etc) are not constant, is called a Non-linear circuit.

Unilateral and Bi-lateral Circuits

Unilateral Circuits

In unilateral circuits, the property of circuit changes with the change of direction of supply voltage or current. In other words, a unilateral circuit allows the current to flow only in one direction. Diode or rectifier is an example of a unilateral circuit because it does not perform the rectification in both directions of supply.

Bi-lateral Circuits

In bilateral circuits, the property of circuit does not change with the change of direction of supply voltage or current. In other words, a bilateral circuit allows the current to flow in both directions. Transmission line is the best example of a bilateral circuit because, providing the supply voltage from any direction (starting end or finishing end), the circuit properties remain constant.

Related Terms to Electric Circuits and Networks

Node

A point or junction where two or more circuit’s elements (resistor, capacitor, inductor etc) meet is called Node

Branch

A part or section of a circuit which is located between two junctions is called a branch. In a branch, one or more elements having two terminals can be connected.

Loop

A closed path in a circuit where more than two meshes can occur is called loop i.e. there may be many meshes in a loop, but a mesh does not contain one loop.

Mesh

A closed loop which contains no other loop within it or a path which does not contain other paths is called Mesh.

Applications of Electric Circuits in Daily Life

circuits are indispensable in modern society. Here’s how they shape various aspects of life:

1. Home Appliances

Lighting: Circuits power LED bulbs, CFLs, and incandescent lamps.
Kitchen Appliances: Devices like refrigerators and microwaves rely on well-designed circuits.

2. Communication Systems

Phones, computers, and televisions operate through intricate circuits that transmit signals.

3. Transportation

From car batteries to electric trains, circuits enable movement and efficiency in transportation systems.

4. Industrial Machinery

Heavy machinery and robotics use complex circuits to enhance automation and productivity.

5. Renewable Energy Systems

Solar panels and wind turbines integrate circuits to convert natural energy into usable electricity.

Troubleshooting Common Circuit Problems

When circuits fail, diagnosing the issue is crucial. Here are common problems and solutions:

1. Open Circuit

Cause: Broken wire or loose connection.
Solution: Inspect and repair damaged components.

2. Overloading

Cause: Exceeding the circuit’s capacity.
Solution: Distribute loads evenly or upgrade the circuit.

3. Short Circuit

Cause: Faulty wiring or damaged insulation.
Solution: Replace defective wires and ensure proper insulation.

4. Voltage Drops

Cause: High resistance in conductors.
Solution: Use lower-resistance materials and optimize wiring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does an electric circuit mean in simple terms?

An electric circuit is a closed loop that allows electricity to flow and power devices like lights and fans.

2. Why is a closed circuit necessary?

A closed circuit ensures a complete path for electricity, enabling uninterrupted current flow.

3. What are the two types of basic circuits?

The two basic types are series circuits (single path) and parallel circuits (multiple paths).