Circuit components

This activity includes three sections:

  • identify component symbols
  • identify component function
  • identify circuit conditions.

Section 1 – Component symbols

  • a number of symbols are shown on a circuit diagram
  • a picture of a component is shown.

Instructions:

  • Draw a circle around the symbol on the diagram that matches the component pictured.

1. Identify the voltmeter symbol.

Circuit diagram
Photo of a voltmeter

2. Identify the motor symbol.

Circuit diagram
Photo of a DC motor

3. Identify the diode symbol.

Circuit diagram
Photo of a diode

4. Identify the circuit breaker symbol.

Circuit diagram
Photo of a 12 volt circuit breaker

5. Identify the ammeter symbol.

Circuit diagram
Photo of a DC ammeter

6. Identify the capacitor symbol.

Circuit diagram
Photo of a capacitor

 

Section 2 – Component purpose

  • There are four components in a circuit diagram to identify.

Instructions:

  • identify the components by drawing a circle around the component symbol
  • answer the question on component purpose.
  • circle or write down the correct answer.

7. Identify the switch on the circuit diagram

Circuit diagram

8. The purpose of the switch is to:

  1. allow a user to break the circuit in the event of a short circuit
  2. allow a user to open or close the circuit
  3. provide a source of EMF for the circuit
  4. act as a load in the circuit
  5. provide a path for current flow for all components.

 

9. Identify the battery symbol on the circuit diagram.

Circuit diagram

10. The purpose of the battery is to:

  1. act as a load in the circuit
  2. allow a user to open or close the circuit
  3. provide a mechanism to break the circuit in the event of a short circuit
  4. provide a source of EMF for the circuit
  5. provide a mechanism for turning the circuit on of off.

 

11. Identify the lamp symbol on the circuit diagram.

Circuit diagram

12. The purpose of the lamp is to:

  1. provide a path for current flow for all components
  2. allow a user to open or close the circuit
  3. be the load in the circuit
  4. provide a source of EMF for the circuit
  5. provide a mechanism to break the circuit in the event of a short circuit.

 

13. Identify the fuse symbol on the circuit diagram.

Circuit diagram

14. The purpose of the fuse is to:

  1. provide a mechanism to break the circuit in the event of a short circuit
  2. provide a path for current flow for all components
  3. act as a load in the circuit
  4. provide a mechanism for turning the circuit on of off
  5. provide a source of EMF for the circuit.

 

Section 3 – Circuit conditions

  • In this section you have to specify the circuit represented by the circuit diagram.

Instructions:

  • circle or write down the correct answer.

18. What circuit condition is represented by the following diagram?

Circuit diagram

  1. Open circuit.
  2. Closed circuit.
  3. Short circuit.

19. What circuit condition is represented by the following diagram?

Circuit diagram

  1. Open circuit.
  2. Closed circuit.
  3. Short circuit.

20. What circuit condition is represented by the following diagram?

Circuit diagram

  1. Open circuit.
  2. Closed circuit.
  3. Short circuit.

 

If you had trouble identifying, or answering the questions about components and symbols, get more information from:

  • Electrical principles section in Resources
  • text books
  • internet sites
  • your trainer.

When you have finished:

  • show your answers to your trainer
  • close this window and choose a new activity from the menu.