Electrical circuits. Classification and simulations

08/05/2026

The online electrical circuit simulations on this page will help you to better understand how electrical circuits work and how the different components that form them relate to each other. You will discover how electrical circuits can be classified according to different criteria and you will be able to see for yourself the usefulness and applications of various electrical circuit simulation tools.

This Thematic Unit is part of our Physics collection

Electric Load

Any circuit component (lamps, motors) that consumes electrical energy to perform work.

Open Circuit

Interruption in the conducting path that prevents the flow of electric current through the circuit.

Parallel Circuit

Configuration where components are connected to the same nodes, sharing the same voltage but splitting the current.

Power Supply

Device supplying electrical energy required for the operation of a circuit.

Series Circuit

Configuration where components are connected one after another, so that the same current flows through all of them.

Short Circuit

Path of virtually zero resistance joining two points of different potential, causing a dangerous increase in current.

What is an electrical circuit?

An electrical circuit is a set of interconnected electrical components that allow the flow of electric current. These components can include power sources, such as batteries or generators, and control elements, such as switches or relays.

Electrical current flows through the circuit due to the electrical potential difference between the components. The unit of measurement for electric current is the ampere (A), while the unit of measurement for electric potential is the volt (V).

In summary, electrical circuits are fundamental to the transmission and control of electrical power in a wide variety of devices and systems. The online electrical circuit simulations on this page will help you to improve the knowledge of electrical circuits. This is is essential for those working in fields related to electronics, electricity and energy.

Classification of electrical circuits

Electrical circuits can be classified according to various criteria that allow a better understanding of their operation and specific applications. The following are some of the most common classifications.

By configuration

Series electrical circuits

In series electrical circuits, components are connected one after the other, forming a single path for current flow.

Parallel electrical circuits

The components in a parallel electrical circuit are connected in separate branches. This allows current to flow through multiple paths.

Mixed electrical circuits

In mixed electrical circuits, series and parallel configurations are combined within a single circuit.

By functionality

Open electrical circuits

Open electrical circuits are those in which the flow of electric current is interrupted due to a disconnection or an open switch.

Closed electrical circuits

In closed electrical circuits, current flows without interruption because all connections are complete.

Short-circuited electrical circuits

In short-circuited electrical circuits, the electric current flows through a low-resistance path, usually due to an accidental connection, which can lead to damage from overheating.

By purpose

Power electrical circuits

Power electrical circuits are designed to transmit and distribute electrical energy in high-power applications, such as power grids.

Electronic electrical circuits

Electronic electrical circuits are used in electronic devices to process signals and control specific functions, such as in computers and cell phones.

Each of these classification criteria provides a unique perspective for analyzing and understanding electrical circuits, which is essential in the design, diagnosis and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems.

Electrical circuit simulations

The use of interactive simulations is a powerful tool for understanding these concepts by directly experiencing how circuits work in different configurations. These simulations allow parameters such as voltage, resistance and current intensity to be modified, providing a dynamic, hands-on educational experience.

Electrical Circuit Applications

In summary, electrical circuits are fundamental to the transmission and control of electrical power in a wide variety of devices and systems. Knowledge of electrical circuits is essential for those working in fields related to electronics, electricity and energy.

See for yourself how the online electrical circuit simulations on this page will help you master this important discipline of electromagnetics – be sure to use them!

Electric Load

Any circuit component (lamps, motors) that consumes electrical energy to perform work.

Open Circuit

Interruption in the conducting path that prevents the flow of electric current through the circuit.

Parallel Circuit

Configuration where components are connected to the same nodes, sharing the same voltage but splitting the current.

Power Supply

Device supplying electrical energy required for the operation of a circuit.

Series Circuit

Configuration where components are connected one after another, so that the same current flows through all of them.

Short Circuit

Path of virtually zero resistance joining two points of different potential, causing a dangerous increase in current.

Explore the exciting STEM world with our free, online, simulations and accompanying companion courses! With them you’ll be able to experience and learn hands-on. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in virtual experiences while advancing your education – awaken your scientific curiosity and discover all that the STEM world has to offer!

Electrical circuit simulations

Electrical circuit simulation kit

Explore with an electronics kit! Build circuits with resistors, ideal non ohmic bulbs, fuses, batteries and switches. Determine if everyday objects are conductors or insulators and make realistic ammeter and voltmeter measurements. View the circuit as a schematic diagram, or switch to a realistic view.

Series electrical circuit simulation

Parallel electrical circuit simulation

Electrical circuits virtual laboratory

Do you like the “Circuit Simulation Kit”, but want to use only in-line ammeters? This is the simulation for you! Experiment with an electronic kit. Build circuits with batteries, resistors, ideal non- ohmic bulbs, fuses, and switches. Determine whether everyday objects are conductors or insulators, and make measurements with realistic ammeters and voltmeters. Observe the circuit in its schematic form, or change it to its realistic view.

Giants of science

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”

Isaac Newton

James Clerk Maxwell

1831

–

1879

James Clerk Maxwell formulated Maxwell’s equations, unifying electricity and magnetism and predicting electromagnetic waves

“Thoroughly conscious ignorance is the prelude to every real advance in science”

Michael Faraday

1791

–

1867

Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, conducted pioneering experiments in optics (Faraday effect), and established fundamental principles of electrochemistry.

“Nothing is too wonderful to be true”

Become a giant

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

Principles of Modeling, Simulations, and Control for Electric Energy Systems

Free mode

Principles of Electric Circuits | 电路原理

Free mode

Electrotechnique I

Free mode

Electromagnetic Compatibility Essentials

Free mode

Pre-University Physics

Free mode

AP® Physics 1 – Part 2: Rotational Motion

Free mode

Circuits for Beginners

Free mode

AP® Physics 1 – Part 1: Linear Motion

Professional development for Educators

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

Get started with teaching computing

Free mode

BlendedX: Blended Learning with edX

Free mode

Teach teens computing: Cybersecurity

Free mode

Interdisciplinary Teaching with Museum Objects

Giants of science

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”

Isaac Newton

Michael Faraday

1791

–

1867

Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, conducted pioneering experiments in optics (Faraday effect), and established fundamental principles of electrochemistry.

“Nothing is too wonderful to be true”

André-Marie Ampère

1775

–

1836

André-Marie Ampère formulated the theory of electromagnetism, establishing the mathematical foundations linking electricity and magnetism

“Science is the explanation of the complex by the simple”

Become a giant

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

Principles of Modeling, Simulations, and Control for Electric Energy Systems

Free mode

Principles of Electric Circuits | 电路原理

Free mode

Electrotechnique I

Free mode

Electromagnetic Compatibility Essentials

Free mode

Circuits for Beginners

Free mode

Pre-University Physics

Free mode

The Basics of Transport Phenomena

Free mode

AP® Physics 1 – Part 1: Linear Motion

Professional development for Educators

Your path to becoming a giant of knowledge begins with these top free courses

Free mode

Reimagining higher education teaching in the age of AI

Free mode

Teach computing: Moving from Scratch to Python

Free mode

Teach kids computing: Programming

Free mode

Teach teens computing: Object-oriented Programming in Python

Test your knowledge

What is an electric circuit, and how is the flow of current established within it?

An electric circuit is a set of interconnected components that allow electric charges to move due to a difference in potential. For current to exist, there must be an energy source—such as a battery or generator—that creates a voltage between two points. This voltage pushes electrons through the conductors and devices in the circuit. Components such as switches, resistors, capacitors and transistors modify how the current behaves by regulating its intensity, storing energy or controlling signals. The arrangement of these elements determines how the current flows and what function each part performs. In a simple circuit, like a battery connected to a light bulb, current flows continuously as long as the circuit is closed. In more advanced systems, combinations of components allow for complex tasks such as voltage regulation, signal processing and electronic control.

How are electric circuits classified, and what does each type of classification reveal?

Electric circuits can be classified according to their configuration, their operating state or their purpose. By configuration, they may be series, parallel or mixed. In series circuits, the current follows a single path and all components share the same current. In parallel circuits, the current splits into multiple branches, allowing each component to receive voltage independently. Mixed circuits combine both arrangements. According to their operating state, circuits may be open—when current cannot flow—closed—when all connections are complete—or short‑circuited, a dangerous condition in which current takes a very low‑resistance path. Finally, by purpose, circuits may be power circuits, designed to transport large amounts of energy, or electronic circuits, used to process signals and control specific functions. These classifications help engineers analyze, design and troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems.

What does a circuit need in order to work?

A circuit needs a power source that provides voltage, wires that connect the components and a closed path for the current to flow. If the circuit is open—because a switch is off or a connection is missing—the current cannot move. When everything is connected properly, the current travels from the source, passes through the devices in the circuit and returns to the starting point. In a simple setup, like a battery and a light bulb, closing the switch is enough for the bulb to turn on. If any component is missing or a connection is faulty, the circuit stops working.

What is the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?

In a series circuit, all components are connected one after another, forming a single path for the current. This means that if one component fails, the entire circuit stops working. In a parallel circuit, components are connected in separate branches, so the current can flow through multiple paths. If one branch fails, the others can continue operating. In series, all components share the same current, while in parallel each branch receives the same voltage. These differences explain why household electrical systems typically use parallel configurations.

What is a short circuit, and why can it be dangerous?

A short circuit occurs when the current finds a path with very low resistance, usually because of an accidental connection or damaged insulation. Since the resistance is so small, the current increases sharply and can cause excessive heating. This may damage wires, burn components or even start a fire. For this reason, electrical systems include fuses and circuit breakers that interrupt the flow when they detect unusually high current. Although a short circuit may seem simple, it is one of the most dangerous electrical faults and must be prevented through proper design and maintenance.