Engineering Why do circuit elements have specific symbols?

AI Thread Summary
The symbols for circuit elements like capacitors, resistors, and inductors are designed to visually represent their functions and structures. A capacitor is depicted as two parallel plates, reflecting its simplest form, while an inductor is shown as a coil of wire. The resistor's symbol varies internationally; the US uses a zigzag shape, while the ISO/European standard opts for a rectangular box, both suggesting resistance to electron flow. The choice of these symbols is influenced by their physical characteristics and the need for standardized representation in electrical schematics. Understanding these symbols aids in the effective communication of circuit designs.
ranju
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Homework Statement


I wanted to ask why the symbols of capacitor , resistor and inductor is such which they have..?? Why are we denoting capacitor by 2 parallel plates why not 2 zig-zag plates..and same for inductor??

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


As much I got , resistor has such symbol as it acts as a barrir to flow of electrons..
 
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ranju said:

Homework Statement


I wanted to ask why the symbols of capacitor , resistor and inductor is such which they have..?? Why are we denoting capacitor by 2 parallel plates why not 2 zig-zag plates..and same for inductor??

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


As much I got , resistor has such symbol as it acts as a barrir to flow of electrons..
The simplest capacitor would be two parallel plates at a fixed distance from each other, so the || symbol makes more sense than two zigzag shapes. An inductor is essentially a coil of wire, so the symbol for an inductor captures that idea. I'm not sure why they chose a sawtooth symbol for resistors, although its rough shape does suggest an obstacle.
 
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The ISO/European and US symbols for a resistor are different. The US uses the "zigzag" symbol. The ISO/European symbol is a rectangular box.
 

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