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DC Circuit: Definition, Analysis, Types with Diagram, Formula, and Uses

Last Updated on Feb 19, 2025
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A circuit is a path for current to flow from the positive terminal to the negative terminal (with the electrons flowing in the opposite direction). DC circuits can be in series or parallel mode. A series DC circuit is connected end to end for making up a path for flowing current. In parallel DC circuits, electrical components are connected in a way one end of the component is connected to the common point and the other end is connected to another common point.

In this article, you will learn about DC circuits, their types and power formula. You will also learn about the use of inductors and capacitors in DC circuits, uses and FAQs.

What is Electrical Circuit?

A grouping of two or more electrical components connected by conducting channels is known as an electrical circuit. It’s possible for the electrical components to be either active or inactive, or a combination of the two.


DC Current

The unidirectional transmission of electric charge is referred to as direct current. It is frequently utilised in solar and battery cells. Thomas Edison made various sophisticated electrical systems possible by creating DC current.

DC Circuit

A DC circuit, like any other circuit, is a closed path for current to flow. The only thing different in this circuit is that the circuit uses a direct current which flows in only one direction. DC circuits are mostly used for simple applications.

The image above shows a simple DC circuit in which the battery is the source. The current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. The load is the component where it’ll do some work while flowing through. The voltmeter is placed to measure the voltage across the load and the ammeter is for measuring the amount of current. The switch controls the flow of the current.

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DC Circuit Analysis

DC circuit analysis refers to the process of finding unknown values like the voltage, current, and resistance of a DC circuit or between the components of the circuits.

In the case of resistance in a DC circuit, the total value of resistance is found based on whether the resistors are in series in parallel or series.

In series connection the total value of resistance would be the sum of different resistance values :

In parallel connection the total value of the resistance would be :

In the case of capacitors and inductors in DC circuits the capacitors are equivalent to open circuits and inductors are equivalent to shorts.

Types of DC Circuits

The types of DC Circuits based on the type of voltage and current distribution are:

Series Circuit

In series circuits, all the components are attached in an end-to-end fashion. The value of resistance is the sum total of all the resistance. In the picture below the voltage drop is

Parallel Circuit

In parallel circuits, all the components have their one terminal connected to one common point and the other terminal connected to another common point. The voltage across all the components is equal. The total resistance becomes

Series-Parallel Circuit

It is a circuit in which the series and parallel circuits are connected in series.

Total resistance in the entire circuit can be determined by first finding out the sum of the equivalent resistance of A and B.

DC Circuit Power Formula

In simple DC circuits the power formula is given as

Power formula can also be stated differently using Ohm’s law which is

Thus power formula becomes as

or

Inductor in DC Circuit

An inductor is a device that stores energy passing through it as magnetic energy.

The inductor when connected to a DC source (such as battery) experiences an increase in current, which causes it to produce an electromotive force against the direction of the current. This would cause a voltage being generated across the inductor whose value is , where is the electromotive force developed.

Since the voltage is developed, this will reduce the rate of current change in the inductor which will, in turn, make the V smaller. As a result, the current becomes stable and the V also equals Zero. Once this happens, the inductor acts like a normal piece of wire and no emf is produced.

Capacitor in DC Circuit

When a capacitor is placed in a DC circuit, it charges up to the applied voltage, and the voltage across the capacitor is equal to the voltage that is being supplied. Thus no current flows through the capacitor plates and the capacitor acts as an open switch.

Difference between AC and DC Circuit 

Here is a table comparing AC and DC circuits:

Parameter

AC Circuit

DC Circuit

Definition

Electric current that periodically changes direction

Electric current that flows in a single direction

Voltage

Varies in a sinusoidal waveform

Constant voltage level

Power

Alternates in both magnitude and direction

Flows in a constant direction and magnitude

Generation

Produced by AC generators or power plants

Produced by batteries, solar panels, or DC generators

Transmission

Used for long-distance transmission of electrical power

Used for shorter distance transmission and local power

Conversion

AC can be easily transformed to different voltages

Conversion to different voltages requires additional circuitry

Components

Uses transformers, capacitors, and inductors

Uses resistors, capacitors, and diodes

Safety

Higher risk of electric shock due to alternating current

Lower risk of electric shock due to constant direction

Applications

Used in homes, businesses, and industrial settings

Used in electronic devices, batteries, and automotive systems

Also, learn about Difference between AC and DC Current 

Uses of DC Circuit

DC circuits are used for the following purposes:

  • In charging rechargeable batteries present in our daily appliances.
  • DC circuits are also used in running DC motors which are found generally in appliances which have rotatory mechanisms.
  • In the biasing of transistors because, in biased transistors, the proper pole needs to be maintained always and as in AC circuits the poles would change, so DC circuits are used.

Hope this article was insightful in imparting a new piece of knowledge. You can check out other Physics articles for a better understanding of concepts. To learn more about such interesting concepts and their real-life uses keep an eye out on the Testbook website or on the Testbook app. Download the Testbook App now!

If you are checking DC Circuit article, also check the related Physics articles in the table below:
Power in AC Circuits Difference between Impedance and Resistance
Power transistor Heating Effect of Electric Current
Domestic Electric Circuits Ammeter

More Articles for Physics

DC Circuit FAQs

A DC circuit is a closed path for current to flow. This circuit uses direct current which flows in only one direction.

A basic DC circuit is one with a direct current source and a load in which the electrons do work.

There is generally a source, a load (resistance), a voltmeter and an ammeter.

If a load or a resistance is present in the DC circuit then a DC circuit becomes resistive.

DC current flows in one direction from positive to negative terminal.

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