Electrical CIRCUIT and NETWORK Differences, Definition, Types
Electrical CIRCUIT and NETWORK
Today we are going to know What is Electric Circuit and Network, their definitions, and Types. There is a big difference between the electrical circuit and network you should know about it. This question may be asked to you in the Interview, so you should know.
To solve easily any circuit and network-related question you must know the difference.
What is the Electric Circuit?
The electrical circuit is a path between higher potential and lower potential through which the current flows from the higher potential to the lower potential. All connections of an electrical circuit are closed there is no open path.
An electrical circuit is shown in the below figure,
As you see in the above figure the circuit has a DC source and some resistors. The main thing is that there is no open path, the whole circuit is closed. So the current will flow through each element and each conductor.
The properties of an Electrical Circuit:
1. There is no open path.
2. The current should be flowing through each part of the circuit.
3. Voltage drops happen everywhere in the circuit as it is fully closed.
Types of Electrical Circuit:
1. Linear Circuit: When the flow of electrical current through an electrical circuit changes uniformly with the changes of voltage then that circuit is said to be as a Linear circuit. If the circuit consists of linear elements then the circuit will be Linear.
So we can also say if the parameters of an electrical circuit are constant, they do not change with the change of voltage and current then that circuit is called a linear circuit. Actually, in most of the cases, the property of an electrical circuit depends on the property of connected elements.
The above diagram shows that the increase of flow of current is uniform to the increase in voltage.
2. Non-linear Circuit: When the flow of current through an electrical circuit changes ununiformly with the changes of voltage then the circuit is called a Non-linear Circuit.
In the non-linear circuit, the parameters are not constant they will change with the change of voltage and current.
3. Unilateral Circuit: When an electrical circuit changes its properties with the change of the direction of the flow of current then the circuit is called a Unilateral circuit.
Suppose a resistive circuit whose main function is to oppose the flow of electrical current. If the opposition of the circuit to the flow of current is changed with the change of the direction of the flow of current then the circuit is said to be an Unilateral Circuit.
The circuit consisting of Diodes like the rectifier circuit is an example of Unilateral Circuit. In this circuit, the current can flow in one direction only because the diode allows the flow of current in one direction only.
4. Bilateral Circuit: If the properties of the electrical circuit do not change with the change of the direction of the flow of current then the circuit is called a Bilateral Circuit.
The electrical Transmission Line is an example of a bilateral circuit.
What is the Electric Network?
When we connect a number of electrical elements or parameters in any manner then it is called Electric Network. There is a chance of the presence of an open path in the electrical network.
An Electrical Network is shown in the below figure,
As you see in the above figure there is an open path in the electrical network. The above network is a passive network.
The Properties of an Electrical Network:
1. There is an open path present.
2. Current may not flow through all parts of the network.
3. Voltage drop may not happen in some areas in the circuit.
Types of Electrical Network:
1. Active Network: If the electric network is connected to an electric source or it contains an EMF source in it then the network is called Active Network.
 |
| Active Network |
2. Passive Network: If the electrical network is not connected to any electrical source or it does not contain any EMF source then it is called Passive Network.
What is the difference between the electrical Circuit and Network?
If you read the above explanation then you already know the difference. Some difference is given below,
CIRCUIT | NETWORK |
It is a closed path. | It may contain open paths. |
Current will flow through each part of the circuit. | Current does not flow through each part of the circuit. |
EX: Electric transmission line | EX: Our Communication system is like the INTERNET. |
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Electrical CIRCUIT and NETWORK Differences, Definition, Types
Reviewed by Author
on
February 08, 2019
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Reviewed by Author
on
February 08, 2019
Rating: