Electrical Circuits

MODULE 17

Technology
Grade 9
 What are we going to look at in this
module??
In this module, we will explore electrical circuits. Upon completion you
should have reached the following outcomes:

• Draw simple electrical circuits using the correct symbols.

• Plot Ohm’s law quantitatively on a graph by measuring the voltage

and the current strength in one-cell, two-cell and three-cell circuits.
 Electrical Circuit Diagrams

In this lesson, we will look at the following:

1. Different components in electrical circuits

Lesson 1 2.
and their symbols.
How to draw simple electrical circuits and
diagrams.
3. Series Circuits vs Parallel Circuits.
Cells and Batteries
 Cells and Batteries

A cell is the source of electrical energy in an electrical circuit. A typical cell

has a voltage of 1.5 Volts. A cell changes chemical energy to electrical
energy. A battery is two or more cells connected together.

Symbol used for a cell: Symbol used for a battery:

Switches
 Switches
A switch controls the flow of the current in an electrical circuit. When
the switch is closed the electrical current will flow and when the
switch is open the electrical current will stop.

The symbol used for a switch:

Lamp (Light Bulb)
 Lamp ( Light Bulb)
A light bulb is a glass globe that changes electrical energy into light energy.

The symbol for a light bulb:

The Conductor
 The conductor

A conductor is the wire in an electrical circuit that carries the

electrical current around an electrical circuit. Think of a conductor as
the “pathway” or “road” for the electrical current.

The symbol used for a conductor:

_____________________________
 Drawing a simple electrical
circuit diagram:

How to draw a simple electrical circuit

diagram.

Lesson 1.2
Electrical Circuit: Electrical Circuit Diagram:

Note the difference between the two!!!

 Series VS. Parallel

1. Components placed in series.

2. Components placed in parallel.

Lesson 1.3
 Components connected in series:
In a series circuit, the components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current flow.

Two bulbs connected in series:

Bulbs connected in series: Switches connected in series:

Cells / Batteries connected in series:

Components connected in parallel:
A parallel circuit has two or more paths (branches) for the current to flow through.

Two bulbs connected in parallel:

Bulbs connected in parallel: Switches connected in parallel:

Cells / Batteries connected in parallel:

 Ohm’s Law

The Definition

Ohm's law states that there is

Lesson 2 a relationship between the
voltage, current, and
resistance in an electrical
circuit. We can control any of
the above-mentioned variables
by changing the other two
variables.
What are the variables in Ohm’s Law??
V = Voltage measured in Volts(V)
These are the symbols used
I = Current measured in Ampere(A) for the unit in which it is
measured (The size)
R = Resistance measured in Ohm(Ω)

These are the symbols used to indicate

the variable (The name)
Ohm’s Law illustrated in a Triangle!!!
Let's look at some examples
Let’s do some calculations…
Calculating Voltage
Calculating Current
Calculating Resistance
END
 Resistors
MODULE 18

Technology
Grade 9
 What are we going to look at in this
module??
In this module, we will explore resistors. Upon completion you should
have reached the following outcomes:

1. Learn the difference between “resistance” and “resistors”.

2. Learn about high-value and low-value resistors.
3. Learn to identify resistor values by making use of the colour codes.
 ● Resistance: (measured in ohms - Ω)
The ability of a substance to reduce, or slow
down, the current flow in an electrical
circuit.

Resistance
 • Resistor: (R)
Resistor The resistor is an electrical component that
implements resistance in an electrical circuit
 “Resistance” vs “Resistor”
Some facts about Resistors and Resistance:
• All the components in an electrical circuit have some resistance, even the battery…
• If the resistance in a circuit is too low it could lead to a very strong current flowing. This could
cause a “short circuit”. A short circuit can cause damage to the components in the circuit.
• A resistor will always give off some heat when it is working.
• A light bulb can also be classified as a resistor.
• Resistors can be divided into 2 main categories, high-value and low-value resistors.

The results of a short circuit.

 High-value Resistors:
High-Value Resistors have different colour bands
around them which indicate the value of the resistor.
These resistors are relatively cheap and more
common.

High-value and low- Low-value Resistors:

Low-value resistors normally have their value
value resistors. printed on them. These resistors have very little
resistance and need to be very accurate. They can be
very expensive and are mostly used by electrical
experts in compact electrical circuits.
Low-Value Resistors High-Value
Resistors
 Most resistors out there will have 4

Identify resistor values by bands of colours. Some specialised

resistors might have 5 and in rare
making use of the colour cases 3. Let’s have a look at how these
colours can be used to determine the
codes value of the resistor.
 Use the table to match the
correct number with the
correct band
The 1st band will indicate the 1st digit.
The 2nd band will indicate the 2nd digit.
The 3rd band will indicate the number of zeros to add.
The 4th band will indicate tolerance.
Example 1:
Example 2:
Example 3:
END
Electrical circuits and control
MODULE 19

Technology
Grade 9
 What are we going to look at in this
module??
In this module, we will explore electrical circuits and control. Upon
completion you should have reached the following outcomes:

1. Learn about switches, diodes and transistors.

2. Learn to categorise different sensors according to their function.
3. Learn about capacitors’ role in simple electrical circuits.
 Switches, diodes and transistors:
1. Switches:

When a switch in an electrical circuit is open, the

switch is in the “off” position. When the switch is
closed, the switch is in the “on” position.

Lesson 1
Let’s look at a couple of different types of
switches.
 Push Switch:

Symbol: Example:

Used in an electrical circuit:

 Toggle switch:

4 different toggle switches:

1. Single-pole-single-throw:
2. Single-pole-double-throw:
3. Double-pole-single-throw:
4. Double-pole-double-throw:
Toggle switch in a circuit diagram:
 Diodes:

A Diode is a control device. It allows current to flow in 1 direction only. The Diode has a
positive side (Anode) and a negative side (Cathode). The current flows through the diode in
the direction of the arrow.
 LED’s

An LED (Light emitting diode) is an output device. An LED will only work if it is connected the
right way around. The LED has an Anode (positive side) and a Cathode (Negative side). The
two arrows pointing away from the symbol indicate light being emitted.
An LED in a circuit:
 The Transistor:
When a transistor is used, a small input power can be used to control much larger output power. This
is referred to as ‘gain’. There are many different types of transistors, but in Grade 9 Technology, you
are only going to work with a negative-positive-negative (NPN) transistor.
 A transistor in an electrical circuit:
Current flowing from the base to the emitter opens the flow of current from the collector to the emitter. In
order for a large/strong current to flow from the collector to the emitter, a small/weak current must flow
from the base to the emitter.
 Sensors:

A sensor can detect changes in its

environment and then provide a
corresponding output.

We will look at 3 different

Lesson 2 sensors:

1. LDR (Light dependent

resistor).
2. Thermistor.
3. Touch or Moisture detector.
 Light-dependant Resistor (LDR):

A light-dependent resistor (LDR) is an electronic

component that detects the amount of light that
falls on its surface.

The resistance of an LDR decrease as the light

falling on its surface gets brighter.

A simple Circuit Diagram with an LDR

The symbol for an LDR An actual LDR

 Thermistor:
A thermistor is an electronic component that can sense the
temperature of its environment.

2 Types of Thermistors:

1. +t: The thermistor’s resistance increases when

temperature increases. This type of thermistor is rarely
used in Technology.

2. -t: The thermistor’s resistance decreases when

temperature increases. When the temperature increases,
the resistance of the thermistor will decrease and allow for
the flow of an electrical current.

A Thermistor in a circuit.

The symbol of a thermistor Actual image of thermistors

 Touch and Moisture detectors:

Touch Sensor: Moisture detector:

A touch sensor is a type of device that Soil moisture sensors measure the water
captures and records physical touch or content in the soil and can be used to
embrace on a device and/or object. estimate the amount of stored water in the
soil horizon.
 Capacitors:

Lesson 3
 Capacitors:
A Capacitor is a component that can store and release electrical energy.

An actual capacitor Symbol of a Capacitor

A Capacitor in a simple electrical circuit

END
Simple Electrical Circuits
MODULE 20

Technology
Grade 9
 What are we going to look at in this
module??
In this module, we will explore Simple Electrical Circuits. Upon
completion you should have reached the following outcomes:

1. Learn to classify different electrical components.

2. Learn to draw simple electrical circuits.
 Classifying electrical components.
Electrical components can be classified into 3
different categories:

1. Input components
2. Control components
3. Output components

Lesson 1 Let’s look at some components and what class

they can be categorised in.
Input Control Output

Battery Diode Buzzer

LDR Transistor LED

Thermistor Switch Light Bulb

Capacitor

Solar Cell

See if you can add some more to this list.

 Simple Electrical Circuits

In this lesson, we are going to learn to draw 4

different electrical circuits.

1. An LED in a simple circuit diagram.

2. A LDR in a simple circuit diagram.
Lesson 2 3.
4.
A Transistor in a simple circuit diagram.
A Capacitor in a simple circuit diagram.
 An LED in a simple electrical circuit:

1. Ensure that the LED is connected the

right way around (Anode is +).
2. Leave the switch open until everything
is connected and the circuit has been
checked thoroughly.
3. Do not build the circuit without the
resistor.

The function of the resistor in this circuit is

to limit the amount of voltage going to the
LED. An LED typically has a forward voltage
of 1.8V – 3.3V.
 An LDR in a simple electrical circuit:

The function of the LDR is to control the

amount of voltage going to the LED. The more
light is shined on the LDR, the less voltage will
flow through the LED. When a bright light
shines on the LDR, the LED will be completely
switched off.

Be sure to connect the LED the right way

around.
Once the switch is closed the LED should
switch on when there is little to no light shining
on the LDR.

Always connect
Anode to “+”.
 A transistor in a simple circuit diagram.

In this circuit, the transistor will act as a switch.

When the Thermistor heats up enough it will allow
current to flow from the base to the emitter and this
will in turn allow current to flow from the emitter
through to the collector.

Pay close attention to how the transistor should be

connected.
 A capacitor in a simple circuit diagram:

In this circuit, we will connect a Capacitor in parallel

to a lightbulb. The capacitor will charge when the
switch is closed and release its energy to the lightbulb The capacitor
once the switch is closed. should be
connected
the right way
In this experiment, it is important to connect the around.
Capacitor the right way around.
Alternative Circuits:
Alternative Circuits:
Alternative Circuits:
END