Circuit Design Tutorial

This simple circuit will connect a battery to a light bulb.

At the most basic level, a circuit is a closed path through which electrical current -- basically, electrons -- can flow. A circuit may take many forms, but all circuits fulfill this definition. Even the most complex circuit, such as a computer, is a closed loop. This construction, which is basically a road for electrons to travel on, allows for endless variation and supports nearly all the technology we rely on today. Making a simple circuit is not a complex task, however, and it will introduce you to the basic of the design that supports our modern world.

Things You'll Need

• 6-volt battery
• 6-volt incandescent lamp
• 16-gauge wire
• Wire strippers
• Wire trimmers
• Alligator clips
• Light socket with exposed wires

Instructions

1. Draw out your circuit design. While this can be done using a schematic, which is a standardized set of symbols used to write down circuit designs, you can also use your own shorthand. If you plan to learn more advanced designs, however, it will be necessary to learn the language of schematics.

2. Cut your wire into two, 1-foot long pieces.

3. Attach one end of both wires to the alligator clips.

4. Screw the light bulb into the light socket.

5. Trim roughly 1 inch of insulation off each end of both wires. This will allow the wire to make contact with the light bulb and the terminals of the battery.

6. Wrap the one end of one wire around the positive terminal of the battery, marked with a plus sign.

7. Attach the positive cable to the positive side of the light bulb with the alligator clip.

8. Wrap the end of the other wire around the negative terminal of the battery.

9. Clip the other end of the wire to the negative terminal of the battery. Be careful, as when you attach this clip the circuit will be complete. Provided all your equipment is in good condition, the light bulb should now light up, as the electrons travel from the positive terminal of the battery, through the light bulb and on to the negative terminal of the battery.

References

• Encyclopedia: Electric Circuit
• Penn State University: Low Voltage Analog Circuit Design Techniques -- A Tutorial (PDF)
• All About Circuits: A Very Simple Circuit