Electrical components
A circuit will always have a battery (cell) as well as other components. Components such as bulbs, buzzers, switches and motors, need a battery in order to work.
Video: Constructing an intruder alarm
Follow along and learn to construct a circuit.
You've got some seriously cool stuff here, Frank.
If we’re putting this Sandwich Intruder Alarm together, we’re going to need a diagram!
Sweet.
Each of these symbols are different electrical parts.
We just need to arrange them in to a circuit!
First we need power, man – this symbol here is a cell, or battery.
That one’s a motor – we don’t need that one.
But that’s a light bulb – we can use that.
Let’s finish off with the buzzer, to make some noise!
But we need the power to flooowww – let’s join it all up with wires.
Don’t forget the switch – we’ll set it up so if someone treads on it, the switch will close, setting off our alarm!
Let’s check it out!
Niiiice…
Frank! Someone’s stealing the sandwich!
Frank!?.. Frank?
Aww man…
Drawing circuit symbols
When drawing circuit diagrams, rather than drawing detailed components, we use simple symbols to represent the different components.
Activities
Activity 1: Identifying circuit symbols
Activity 2: Circuit symbols quiz
Activity 3: Drawing series circuits
Practise drawing the following series circuits using symbols:
- A simple circuit with a bulb and battery.
- A series circuit where the bulb doesn't light up.
- A circuit with three batteries, a bulb and a buzzer.
Challenge: Can you design a circuit for traffic lights?
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