DC Circuit Components 221

DC Circuit Components provides a comprehensive overview of the different parts that appear in DC circuits, including source, path, control, and load. DC power sources include batteries, generators, and piezoelectricity. The path of a circuit is made of a conductor, which has low resistance, but other materials with more resistance, such as insulators, semiconductors, and resistors, are often also used in circuits. In general, switches are used to control current, but many circuits also have safety devices, such as fuses and breakers, to protect the circuit from high current conditions. Understanding the purpose of different components is essential for working with DC circuits. After taking this class, users should have a firm grasp of many different circuit components and understand when and why they are used. This knowledge will allow them to design effective circuits and recognize potential problems with a circuit’s components.