Introduction

Summary

An electrical circuit consists of :

• At least two components (also called dipoles because they have two poles) one of which is the generator (also referred to as the source).
• Conducting wires that connect the components to form a closed loop that enables current to flow.

Numerous forms of transpoort operate using electrical energy. Regardless of the dipole used, an electric motor is connected to the generator (not shown in the photos) by two conducting wires.

The electric power available at the terminals of a dipole is equal to the product of the current (I, in amperes, or "amps") and the voltage (E, for "electromotive force", in volts).

Remark: The colors chosen are not the conventional ones. The voltage and the current  could be direct or alternating.

Goals

• To define the terms "electric circuit" and "dipole"
• To teach why all electrical devices must have two poles.
• To approach the dangers of electricity and the risk of electrocution.

Features

Rollover each photograph to highlight the electrification system in operation.

Student sheet

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Tags

Electricity train tramway trolley bumper-car current electric-circuit voltage volt pantograph overhead-line rail