- Electric Circuit Definition: An electric circuit is defined as a combination of interconnected networks that provide one or more closed paths for electric current.
- Node in Electrical Circuit: A node is a point in an electrical circuit where two or more circuit elements are connected, serving as a junction point.
- Branch Definition: A branch is the part of the circuit between two nodes that can deliver or absorb energy, excluding short circuits.
- Loop Definition: A loop is a closed path in the circuit where one returns to the starting node without crossing any intermediate node twice.
- Network vs. Circuit: A network may not provide a closed path, but an electric circuit always includes one or more networks forming closed paths.
An electric circuit is based on three concepts: nodes, branches, and loops. An electric network is a combination of interconnected circuit elements and may not always provide a closed path for current. However, an electrical circuit includes one or more networks that create closed paths for electric current to flow. When these networks interconnect to complete one or more paths, an electric circuit is formed.
An electric circuit does have three conceptual things as mentioned below.
Nodes of Electric Circuit
The point through which an circuit element is connected to the circuit is called node. It is better to say, node is a point where, terminal of two or more circuit elements are connected together. Node is a junction point in the circuit.
In the above circuit nodes are indicated by bullets.
NB:- If three is no element between two or more connected adjacent nodes, these nodes can be recombined as a single node.
Finally, the circuit can be redrawn as,
Branch of Electric Circuit
Elements in an electric circuit generally have two terminals. When a circuit element connects to the circuit, it does so through both terminals, becoming part of a closed path.
Any circuit element connects between two nodes in the circuit. The path from one node to another through this element is called a branch of the circuit.
The branch of an electric circuit can be defined more precisely, as the portion of the circuit between two nodes which can deliver or absorb energy. As per this definition, the short circuit between two nodes is not referred as branch of electric circuit.
Loops in Electric Circuit
An electric circuit has multiple nodes. If you start at one node and travel through a set of nodes, returning to the starting node without crossing any intermediate node twice, you have completed a loop in the circuit.
