Circuit symbols show connections between components in diagrams. Actual component layout differs from diagram layout. Breadboard diagrams needed for building circuits
Conductor allows electric current flow in one or more directions. Current flows through momentum transfer between mobile charge carriers. Metals are ideal conductors due to delocalized electron sea
Components can be connected in series or parallel for electrical networks. Series circuits have single path, parallel circuits have multiple paths. Voltage in series equals sum of component voltages. Voltage in parallel equals sum of component voltages
Switch connects or disconnects electrical circuit paths. Contacts touch when closed, separate when open. Can be manually operated or function as sensing elements
AWG is a standardized system for nonferrous wire diameters. Larger AWG numbers indicate smaller wire sizes. Every 6 gauge decrease doubles wire diameter. Every 3 gauge decrease doubles cross-sectional area
Basic LED setup requires LED, power supply, and resistors. Radioshack offers various LED voltages and power supplies. LEDs come in different sizes, brightnesses, and voltages