Electric Circuit Compared with Water Circuit
- An electric circuit is the path in which the electric current flows. The flow of electricity in a wire is actually the simultaneous motion of countless free electrons in one direction.
- It is often compared with the flow of a liquid like water. Electricity can then be said to flow in a wire as water flows in a pipe.
- A simple water circuit, like the one shown in Figure (A), has a resemblance to a typical electric circuit, shown in Figure (B) The similarity between the water circuit and the electric circuit can give one an understanding of the flow of electric currents.
Figure (A)
- Figure (A) illustrates water that is flowing in the pipe circuit in the direction shown by the arrows. It is evident that this current of water flows because of a pressure exerted on it.
- This pressure is produced by the rotary pump, often called the centrifugal pump, which is driven by an engine.
- A water motor is connected on the end of the pipeline, and therefore, all the water that flows around the circuit must pass through the motor.
- It is plain that it will cause the motor to revolve and, therefore, deliver power to the shaft and the rotating equipment connected by the shaft.
- Similarly, when an electric current flows in a wire, it flows because an electric pressure causes it to flow. Thus, the current in Figure (B) is made to flow because of the electric pressure produced by the dynamo, or electric generator, which is driven by an engine.
- As the electric current flows along the wire, it will be forced to flow through the electric motor.
- This motor will begin to revolve as the electricity begins to flow through it and will deliver power to the shaft and the rotating equipment connected to the shaft.
Figure (B)
