IGCSE Circuit components
IGCSE Circuit components
Electromagnetic components
Magnetising coils, relays and transformers use electromagnetic effects
o Relays use a small current in one circuit to switch on a much larger
current in another
o Transformers 'step up' and 'step down' current and potential difference
Fuses
Protect expensive components from current surges and act as a safety
measure against fire
Thermistors
A thermistor is a non-ohmic conductor and a temperature-dependent
resistor
The resistance of a thermistor changes depending on its temperature
o As the temperature increases the resistance of a
thermistor decreases and vice versa
The resistance through a thermistor is dependent on the temperature of it
Light-dependent resistors
A light-dependent resistor (LDR) is a non-ohmic conductor and sensory
resistor
Its resistance automatically changes depending on the light energy falling
onto it (illumination)
As the light intensity increases, the resistance of an LDR decreases
When travelling in the same direction as the diode, current can flow. If the
diode is flipped, it now prevents current from flowing in the circuit
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) behave the exact same way, but they emit light
when current flows through them