Elec Class

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Discovery getting started with electricity: first circuits and measurements

To start electricity with no prior knowledge: units, voltage and current, Ohm's law, series and parallel resistors, first measurements. 8 steps · 34 levels · 20 to 30 minutes per session

First levelStep 1 · First resistorGetting started, level 1 of 5
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The 8 steps each step unlocks the next

  1. 1

    1. Getting started

    5 levelsLesson: Ohm's law

    Place, snap, join with chips and leads, read a measurement: the basic lab moves, step by step.

    1. 1First resistor
    2. 2The chips
    3. 3The switch
    4. 4The leads
    5. 5The voltmeter
  2. 2

    2. Ohm's law

    5 levelsLesson: Ohm's law

    U = R × I. One resistor, one source: measure, predict, adjust.

    1. 1Build a resistor circuit and find the current
    2. 2Predict the current
    3. 3Reach 20 mA
    4. 4If the voltage doubles...
    5. 5Dissipated power
  3. 3

    3. Units and readings

    5 levelsLesson: Electrical units and conversions

    Converting, reading a dial, recognising symbols: everyday tools.

    1. 1Kilo-ohms to ohms
    2. 2Milliamperes to amperes
    3. 3IEC symbol: lamp
    4. 4Reading a needle voltmeter
    5. 5Prefixes
  4. 4

    4. Series

    3 levelsLesson: Series and parallel circuits

    The same current flows through everything: resistances add up, the voltage is shared.

    1. 1Two resistors in series
    2. 2Voltage sharing
    3. 3Equivalent resistance
  5. 5

    5. Parallel and mixed

    4 levelsLesson: Series and parallel circuits

    Same voltage on every branch, the current is shared. Then series and parallel get mixed.

    1. 1Two resistors in parallel
    2. 2Branch current
    3. 3Aim for a parallel resistance
    4. 4Mixed circuit
  6. 6

    6. Measuring

    3 levelsLesson: Voltmeter and ammeter

    Voltmeter in parallel, ammeter in series, potentiometer to adjust: connect right, read right.

    1. 1Voltmeter on R2
    2. 2Ammeter in series
    3. 3Measure, then conclude
  7. 7

    7. Voltage and current

    5 levelsLesson: Voltage and current

    What pushes the charges and what counts them: p.d., current direction, Q = I·t.

    1. 1Current direction
    2. 2Potential difference
    3. 3The coulomb
    4. 4Quantity of electricity
    5. 5Battery autonomy
  8. 8

    8. Troubleshooting

    4 levelsLesson: Series and parallel circuits

    Measurements are hidden: read the diagram, look at the board, find the fault and fix it.

    1. 1Short at the source
    2. 2Wrong value
    3. 3Two faults
    4. 4Tricky mixed circuit

Who is it for?

  • AudienceFor beginners: first steps in the lab, no prerequisites.
  • Pace20 to 30 minutes per session
  • HelpA hint, then the full working, for every problem.
  • EquipmentA browser is enough; the lab is more comfortable on a large screen.

Frequently asked questions about this path

Are there any prerequisites?

No, none: the path starts with first steps in the lab.

Can I skip a step?

Steps unlock in order, but all lessons and all problems remain freely available from the lessons.

Where is my progress saved?

In the device's browser; with a free account, it follows you from one device to another.

Other learning paths

Simulated time00:00:00
Q = I·t-
W = P·t-

Circuit diagram CEI 60617

How does it work?

Each big hole is a circuit node: you push one leg of a component into it. The 4 small holes around it are connected to it: chips and leads plug in there.

  1. Place a component Drag it from the palette: it snaps onto the grid. R rotates it.
  2. Bridge neighbouring holes Pick the jumper chip (or C) and drag on the board: bridged holes become a single node.
  3. Draw a lead For long links and the power supply: from one big hole to another, or to a terminal.
  4. Close the loop The circuit is solved live (Ohm, Kirchhoff) and the diagram follows.

Shortcuts

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R
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C
chip brush
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