CHAPTER 17 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT PHYSICS

In chapter 16 you have learn some electrical devices, in chapter 17 you will explore more electrical de-
vices with their electrical symbols and how they are usually incorporated in electrical circuits.
ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND THEIR SYMBOLS

 LIGHT DEPENDANT RESISTOR( LDR )

Light dependant resistor also known as a photoresistor, are passive electrical based on the amount of
light falling on them. As the light intensity increases, the resistant of the LDR decrease, allowing more
current to flow through. They are commonly used in light sensing application such as automatic street
light sensing applications such as automatic street lighting, light meters , and indoor controlling systems.

An LDR is made of material that does not normally conduct well.

 JUNCTION DIODE
Junction diode is a two- terminal semiconductor device that allows electric current to flow in only one
direction. It is composed of a p-type semiconductor material and an n-type semiconductor material
joined together to form a p-n junction. The p-n junction acts as a rectifier, permitting current to flow in
one direction only while blocking it in the opposite direction.

An arrow in the diode symbol shows the direction in which conventional current can flow
through the diode.
The bar shows that current is stopped if it tries to flow in the opposite direction.

An example
A diode will allow an electric current to flow in one direction only. Using a lamp, battery, and diode.
Draw a circuit in which.
A) The lamp light

B) The lamp does not light

THERMISTOR
Thermistor is thermally sensitive resistor that exhibits a significant change in resistance in response to
temperature variations. Its resistance changes precisely and predictably with small changes in tempera-
ture, making it a useful component in temperature sensing and controlling applications. Thermistors are
a type of semiconducotor electronic materials , and their temperature sensitivity is greater than of
standard resistors.
A thermistor is of a negative temperature coefficient type, that is, its resistance decreases with increas-
ing temperature and vice versa.

Relationship between the resistance, R, of a thermistor and temperature, θ, of the thermistor.

Temperature operated alarm

At room temperature the thermistors has very high resistance as compared to the fixed resistor, R. Dur-
ing a fire break out, when the temperature of the surroundings increases, the resistance of the thermis-
tor decreases drastically. The p.d across the thermistor decreases and that across the fixed resistor in-
creases, the reed switch is closed and a current flows through the high voltage circuit, making the alarm
bell ring continuously until the temperature falls.
Note
 The temperature of the thermistor may increase due to external heat supplied or larger current
flowing through it, causing it to heat up.
 Thermistors are used in fire alarms system, temperature measurement and temperature control
system.

 VARIABLE RESISTORS
Variable resistor is an electrical component whose resistance value can be adjusted, allowing for con-
trol in applications such as dimmer switches and volume controls.
The variable resister uses a slider to control the point of contact. The amount of track that a current
flow depends on the position of the contact. The further the current travels ( In the wire), the higher the
resistance.
 LIGHT EMITING DIODE ( LED )
Light emitting diode ( LED ) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current flows
through it. LEDs convert electrical energy directly into light, and they are commonly used for various ap-
plications due to their efficiency and long lifespan.

Application
 Indicator light to show whether a stereo or TV is on.
 Modern traffic light
Benefit
 Requires little maintenance
 MAGNETISING COIL
Magnetizing coil is a type of electric coil used to produce a a magnetic filed when an electric current
when an electric field passes through it. It is commonly employed in various electromagnetic devices,
such as transformers, inductors and magnetic circuit components, to generate the required magnetic
flux for their operation.
 FUSE
Fuse is a critical component in electrical circuit that ensures safety by protecting equipment from dam-
age caused by over-current. It is a simple, effective and cost-efficient way to enhance the reliability and
safety of electrical installations.
This means that a fuse limits the flow of current according to its rating, thus protecting an appliance
from excessive current flow through it. If the magnitude of the current exceeds the fuse rating, the fuse
wire melts and breaks the circuit to stop the current flow.

SWITCHES( CLOSED AND OPEN)

A switch is an incorporated in an electric circuit to allow or stop the flow of an electric current.
There can be more that one switch in an electric circuit, especially, in circuit where the electri-
cal components are in parallel arrangements.

SERIES AND PARALLEL ARRANGEMENTS IN ELECTRIC CIRCUITS.

There are two ways to connect resistors
SERIES PARALLEL

RESISTORS IN SERIES

VOLTAGE IN SERIES

V = V1 + V2
The sum of the potential difference across each resistor is equal to the cell voltage.

RESISTORS IN PARALLEL
CALCULATING EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE

SOLUTIONS
The current from the source is greater than the current through either resistor.
QUESTIONS no 1
Three 5.0 Ω resistors are connected in series with a 12V power supply. Calculate the combined resis-
tance of the three resistors, the current that flows in the circuit, and the p.d across each resistor.
Combined resistance = 5 + 5 + 5 = 15

Current = voltage / resistance

12 / 15
= 0.8 A
Pd = current × resistance =
0.8 5
= 4V
QUESTION no2
Resistors of difference resistance arranged in an electric circuit as shown in the diagram below. Four
identical 1.5 V cells are also shown together with an ammeter and a voltmeter.

A) State whether’’ parallel’’ or ‘’ series’’ arrangement of the following electrical components in the
above circuit:
The circuit is in series
B) State the e.m.f of the battery
e. m.f of the battery, V = 4 × 1.5
=6V
C) What is the effective resistance in the circuit
Apply formula
2+4+8+4
= 18Ω
D) What is the ammeter reading

E) What is the voltmeter reading

F) State the p.d across the 2Ω and 8 Ω resistors?

QUESTION no3
The diagram below shows an electric circuit consisting of an arrangements of resistors of different resis-
tances, an ammeter and a voltmeter.

A) State how the resistors are arranged in the circuit.

Resistors are arranged in parallel.
B) Through which component, in the circuit, is the current flow negligible?
Voltmeter
C) Which component in the circuit has
 Total current in the circuit.
 The current I1, I2, I3 and I4 respectively.
D) What is the effective resistance in the circuit?

E) What is the effective resistance in the circuit?

 The total current in the circuit
 The current I2, I2, I 3 and I4.

F) A fifth resistor to be added in parallel with the resistors. State whether the currents in the four exist-
ing resistors will increases, decreases or remain unchanged.
The current through the four resistors will remain unchanged.

POTENTIAL DIVIDER CIRCUIT

When resistors are arranged in series in the circuit, they acts as potential dividers . The e.m.f of the
power is distributed among the resistors and each one has a potential difference(p.d ) across them.

The circuit diagram below shows three resistors, of different resistance, arranged in series. The e.m.f of
the battery is 9V and the p.d across each resistor is determined as follows.
NOTE
 Potential divider formula can also be used to calculate p.d across each resistor.
 A variable resistor can also be used as a potential divider as shown in the circuit below.

The voltmeter reading increases from 0 V to 6 V as the slider move from Y to X. When the slider is mid-
way between X and Y, the voltmeter reading is 3V.

POTENTIOMETER

A potentiometer comprises of a length of resistance wire, usually 1 m long, connected to a battery as

shown below.