Explaining DC Open vs Closed Circuits Simplified

  • Thread starter Thread starter eric0524
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
A DC open circuit has a broken loop, preventing current from flowing, while a closed circuit has a complete loop that allows current to circulate. The water theory analogy was attempted but did not effectively convey the concept. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the loop's integrity in defining open versus closed circuits. Visual aids, such as diagrams, can help clarify these differences. The thread concludes with the issue resolved, indicating the explanation was satisfactory.
eric0524
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I am trying to find a extremely simple answer to explain the difference between a DC open circuit and a closed circuit. I tried to explain it with the water theory but that didn't work so well.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Thank you for the reply this thread is now complete. (not sure why none of the posts showed up but it's solved)
 
eric0524 said:
I am trying to find a extremely simple answer to explain the difference between a DC open circuit and a closed circuit. I tried to explain it with the water theory but that didn't work so well.

Basically think about if there's a full circuit "loop" for current to flow. An open circuit has an open or broken loop. An closed circuit has a closed or complete loop.

http://www.w3.org/2000/08/nba-manual/circuit.gif

Left is open. Right is closed.
 

Thread 'What happens if shielded cable has a short to the shield?'

While I was rolling out a shielded cable, a though came to my mind - what happens to the current flow in the cable if there came a short between the wire and the shield in both ends of the cable? For simplicity, lets assume a 1-wire copper wire wrapped in an aluminum shield. The wire and the shield has the same cross section area. There are insulating material between them, and in both ends there is a short between them. My first thought, the total resistance of the cable would be reduced...
View full post »

Thread 'Underwater piezoelectric sensor array receive sensitivity'

Hi all I have some confusion about piezoelectrical sensors combination. If i have three acoustic piezoelectrical sensors (with same receive sensitivity in dB ref V/1uPa) placed at specific distance, these sensors receive acoustic signal from a sound source placed at far field distance (Plane Wave) and from broadside. I receive output of these sensors through individual preamplifiers, add them through hardware like summer circuit adder or in software after digitization and in this way got an...
View full post »

Thread 'Question about bonding ground and neutral'

I am not an electrical engineering student, but a lowly apprentice electrician. I learn both on the job and also take classes for my apprenticeship. I recently wired my first transformer and I understand that the neutral and ground are bonded together in the transformer or in the service. What I don't understand is, if the neutral is a current carrying conductor, which is then bonded to the ground conductor, why does current only flow back to its source and not on the ground path...
View full post »

Similar threads

LTSpice DC - AC Inverter Schematic Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
What Happens When AC and DC Signals Interact in Audio Circuits?
Replies
13
Views
3K
DC Inverters and Rectifiers: Understanding the Terminology
Replies
8
Views
2K
Need help in understanding these circuits
Replies
2
Views
2K
Closed vs Open Electrical Circuits
Replies
14
Views
4K
Can Resonant Frequency Disassociate Water Molecules?
Replies
12
Views
3K
Can LCL Filter Convert AC to DC for Half Bridge Section?
Replies
39
Views
4K
How does AM broadcasting/receiving work + a project for HS students?
Replies
20
Views
1K
Explaining Voltage Split in Series Circuits with Ohm's Law
Replies
6
Views
2K
DC input random offset voltage for diff. amplifier with current-mirror load
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top