11.2.A—Describe the behavior of a circuit

Describe the behavior of a circuit.

• A circuit is composed of electrical loops, which can include wires, batteries, resistors, lightbulbs, capacitors, inductors, switches, ammeters, and voltmeters.
• A closed electrical loop is a closed path through which charges may flow.
  • i. A closed circuit is one in which charges would be able to flow.
  • ii. An open circuit is one in which charges would not be able to flow.
  • iii. A short circuit is one in which charges would be able to flow with no change in potential difference.
• A single circuit element may be part of multiple electrical loops.
• Circuit schematics are representations used to describe and analyze electric circuits.
  • i. The properties of an electric circuit are dependent on the physical arrangement of its constituent elements.
  • ii. Circuit elements have common symbols that are used to create schematic diagrams. Variable elements are indicated by a diagonal strikethrough arrow across the standard symbol for that element. Battery Bulb Switch Capacitor Resistor A Ammeter V Voltmeter Inductor BOUNDARY STATEMENT Unless otherwise specified, all circuit schematic diagrams will be drawn using conventional current.