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Summaries · Grade 7 Technology › Circuit diagrams and symbols
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Circuit diagrams and symbols

Circuit symbols, circuit diagrams, series and parallel, and energy changes. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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The symbols

CellBattery (cells)BulbSwitch openSwitch closed
The basic symbols. A battery is two or more cells together.
ComponentSymbolJob
ResistorA long rectangleLimits the current
MotorA circle with an MElectricity → movement
BuzzerA half-circle (dome) on two leadsElectricity → sound

The straight lines between the symbols are the connecting wires. An open switch breaks the path: no current flows.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Series, parallel and insulation

Series: one pathParallel: two paths
Parallel: each lamp gets the full voltage and stays bright.
  • The plastic covering around a wire is insulation; plastic is an insulator.
  • Wires are insulated to prevent shocks and short circuits.
  • Current flows only when there is a complete path from the cell and back.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • A circuit diagram uses standard symbols so that anyone, anywhere, can read it.
  • The longer line of a cell’s symbol is the positive (+) terminal.
  • Two cells in series: the voltage adds up, the lamp is brighter.
  • Second lamp in series: both dimmer. In parallel: both stay just as bright.
  • Buzzer → sound; lamp → light and heat; motor → movement.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

On a cell the long line is the plus: “long is plus”.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

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