Overview
This lecture introduces basic concepts of electronic circuits, focusing on battery terminals and the difference between open and closed circuits.
Battery Terminals
- A battery has two ends: a negative terminal (marked with a minus sign) and a positive terminal (marked with a plus sign).
- Terminals are the points where electricity enters and exits the battery.
Building a Basic Circuit
- To power a device, such as a light bulb, wires must connect the battery terminals to the device.
- Connecting only one terminal to the device creates an incomplete or open circuit, which does not work.
Open vs. Closed Circuits
- An open circuit has a gap or break and electricity cannot flow, so devices do not work.
- A closed circuit connects both the negative and positive terminals through the device, allowing electricity to flow and power the device.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Terminal — The endpoint of a battery where electrical connection is made.
- Open Circuit — A circuit with a break or gap that prevents electricity from flowing.
- Closed Circuit — A complete circuit with no gaps, allowing electricity to flow and devices to operate.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review diagrams of open and closed circuits.
- Prepare for the next lesson on the nature of electricity.