Visualizing the Flow
5. Water Flow Analogy
One helpful way to visualize conventional current is by using a water flow analogy. Imagine a water pump circulating water through a pipe system. The pump acts like a battery, providing the "pressure" (voltage) to push the water (current) around the circuit. The water flows from the high-pressure side (positive terminal) to the low-pressure side (negative terminal), even though the water molecules themselves might be swirling around in a more complex manner.
Resistors, in this analogy, would be like narrow sections of the pipe that restrict the flow of water. The narrower the pipe, the more resistance to the flow. The current, then, is the amount of water flowing through the pipe per unit of time. The higher the pressure (voltage) and the lower the resistance, the greater the current will be. Similarly, resistors are used to control current in circuits, just like the narrower section of the pipe.
Also, just like a water pump, a circuit has to dissipate heat. And in reality, an electronic device usually has a component (or components) that is a major source of heat, so these components are usually attached to heat sinks to keep them cool. If there is too much resistance, there will be a massive amount of heat dissipation, and the device could fail. The amount of heat generated also directly relates to current and voltage.
Additionally, just like the water pipe, there are different types of electrical components that are used for different types of functions. For example, there are different types of resistors that are used to reduce the current. There are potentiometers that are used to control the resistance. There are capacitors that are used to store voltage. There are inductors that are used to store current. There are so many things to consider when thinking about electrical circuits.
6. Circuit Diagrams
Think of circuit diagrams as the blueprints of electrical systems. They use symbols to represent different components and lines to show the connections between them. These diagrams almost always depict conventional current flow, making it easier to understand the relationships between voltage, current, and resistance.
By following the arrows that indicate the direction of conventional current, you can trace the flow of electricity through the circuit and identify potential issues or areas for improvement. These diagrams are essential tools for engineers, technicians, and anyone else working with electronic circuits.
In a similar way that other forms of diagrams are used, a circuit diagram allows people to understand how circuits work without having to be an expert on its fundamental principles. For example, when a building is designed, architects usually have their design diagrams for buildings approved by a building inspector. The same applies to other areas, such as engineering, software, math, and science.
Moreover, it is important to practice reading circuit diagrams. When first learning, they may seem foreign, but once a few are seen, the same symbols start to pop out again and again. It's also useful to understand how these diagrams actually work in reality. Usually a circuit is made, and then debugged with test instruments, such as a multimeter or an oscilloscope.
