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Basic Circuit Concepts
Quick questions on Circuit diagrams and conventions explained: O-Level Electronics Basic Circuit Concepts
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are standard circuit symbols?Show answer
Every common component has an agreed symbol. You must be able to recognise and draw:
What is reading a circuit diagram?Show answer
A circuit diagram shows components connected by straight lines representing wires. To read one, start at the positive terminal of the supply and trace the path of the current through each component back to the negative terminal. A junction (shown as a dot) is where the current can split into parallel branches. Wires that cross without a dot are not connected.
What is conventional current?Show answer
By convention, current is drawn flowing from the positive terminal of the supply, around the external circuit, and back to the negative terminal. This conventional current is the direction positive charge would move. In a metal the real carriers are electrons, which flow the opposite way, but all the rules of the syllabus are written for conventional current, so that is the direction you mark with arrows.
What are connecting meters?Show answer
Two meters appear constantly, and they are connected differently:
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