Classification of Electrical Circuit

On the basis of current flowing

• If alternating current (a.c) flows through the circuit then the circuit is known as alternating current circuit, and if direct current (d.c.) flows through the circuit, then the circuit is known as direct current circuit.

On the basis of number of sources

• If only a single source is connected to the circuit, then the circuit is known as single source circuit, and if more than one source is connected to the circuit, then the circuit is known as multi source circuit.

On the basis of number of meshes

• If there is only a single mesh (or closed circuit) then the circuit is known as single mesh circuit, and if there are more than one mesh in a given circuit, then the circuit is known as multi mesh circuit.

Linear or non-linear circuit

• If the V-I characteristic of a given circuit is found to be linear or straight line, then the circuit is known as linear circuit, and if there is no linear relationship between the voltage and current for a given circuit, then the circuit is known as non-linear circuit.

Terms used in Circuit Analysis

Node or junction

• A point of electrical circuit where two or more than two branches meet together is known as node or junction.

Branch

• A path in a given circuit, where the value of current remain same is known as branch.

Mesh or loop

• A closed path of a circuit made of several branches is known as mesh or loop.

Active or passive circuit

• If the source of e.m.f. or current is connected in the circuit then the circuit is known as active circuit, and if there is no source of e.m.f. or current in a circuit, then the circuit is known as inactive or passive circuit.