Symbols of Components
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Each component in an electric circuit has a unique symbol for identification. These symbols are standard across international physics curriculums.
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A straight line represents a wire connecting other components or parts of a circuit.
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A cell, or battery, is symbolised by two lines. A longer line represents the positive terminal whilst the shorter line represents the negative terminal.
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More than one cell connected together is depicted as several juxtaposed pairs of short and long lines.
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A lamp (bulb) is displayed as a circle with an 'X' inside. This represents the filament within the bulb.
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For resistors, a zig-zag or rectangular box is used. Resistors are components that resist the flow of electric current and reduce voltage.
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A capacitor, which stores electric charge, is represented by two parallel lines with a gap between them. One line is often curved.
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A fuse, a device designed to break a circuit if the current flowing through it is too high, is symbolised by a rectangular shape with a line going through it.
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Switches are indicated by a break in the line. If the switch is closed, the break is paired with an adjacent line.
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Diodes, which permit current flow in one direction only, are shown as a triangle facing a line.
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The symbol for a voltmeter, a device that measures voltage, is a circle with a "V" in the middle.
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The symbol for an ammeter, which measures current, is a circle with an "A".
Remember, whilst understanding these symbols is paramount, so too is understanding how these components function within a circuit. This will help you to efficiently design, analyse and predict outcomes in different electric circuit setups.