Lesson 2 of 9

Circuit symbols

Goal: Draw and read circuit diagrams.

Puzzles for this lesson

Word search0 of 8 foundCrossword0 of 38 letters
A tray of batteries, bulbs, switches, wires and a meter

A circuit diagram is a simple drawing of a circuit. Every part has its own symbol.

Cell
Battery
Lamp
Switch (open)
Switch (closed)
A
Ammeter
V
Voltmeter
Resistor
Variable resistor
Buzzer
  • Wires are drawn as straight lines, with square corners.
  • A battery is two or more cells joined together.
  • The long line of a cell is its positive end. The short line is its negative end.

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Key words in this lesson

Ammeter Measures current

Volt The unit of potential difference

Voltmeter Measures potential difference

Cell Pushes charge around a circuit

Battery Two or more cells joined together

For teachers: AQA 3.2.2 · Pearson Edexcel 30.2, 32.3 in part · Cambridge 7Pe.05, 9Pe.04