What does a source of electrical energy do in an electrical circuit?
A source of electrical energy in an electrical circuit serves the purpose of providing power or voltage to allow the flow of electric current. It is responsible for initiating and sustaining the movement of electrons through the circuit.
To understand how a source of electrical energy works in a circuit, it is helpful to gain an understanding of some basic concepts in electricity:
1. Voltage: Voltage, often measured in volts (V), is the force that drives electric current in a circuit. The source of electrical energy, such as a battery or power supply, creates a potential difference or voltage between its terminals. This voltage pushes electrons from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, creating a flow of electric current.
2. Electric Current: Electric current is the flow of charged particles, usually electrons, through a conductor in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A). The source of electrical energy provides the necessary voltage to initiate and sustain the flow of electrons through the circuit, from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
3. Circuit Components: In addition to the source of electrical energy, an electrical circuit typically consists of other components, such as conductors (wires) and electrical load (resistors, light bulbs, motors, etc.). The conductors provide a path for the electric current to flow, while the load consumes the electrical energy to perform a particular function, such as generating light or producing mechanical motion.
Therefore, in summary, a source of electrical energy in an electrical circuit provides the necessary voltage or potential difference to drive the flow of electrons through the circuit, allowing the electrical load to perform its intended function.