The analogy between current flow and water flow is often used to explain the behavior of electric circuits to those who are new to the subject. In this analogy, the flow of current is compared to the flow of water in a pipe.
In a water pipe system, water flows from a high pressure area (the pump) to a low pressure area (the sink or drain) through pipes. Similarly, in an electric circuit, current flows from a high voltage area (the source) to a low voltage area (the load or ground) through wires.
Here's a diagram to illustrate the analogy:
___________ ___________
| | | |
Source --| Circuit |------------------->| Load |
| | | |
|___________| |___________|
(a) (b)
a) shows a water pipe system, where water flows from a high pressure area to a low pressure area through pipes.
(b) shows an electric circuit, where current flows from a high voltage source to a low voltage load through wires.
In both cases, the flow of the substance (water or current) is influenced by the pressure difference between two points in the system. The greater the pressure difference, the greater the flow rate.
Additionally, in both cases, the substance (water or current) encounters resistance as it flows through the system. In a water pipe system, resistance can come from friction with the walls of the pipe or from bends in the pipe. In an electric circuit, resistance can come from the wires themselves or from the load that the current is passing through.
The analogy can be extended further to include other concepts such as voltage, resistance, and capacitance. Overall, the analogy helps to make complex electrical concepts more relatable and understandable to those who may not have a technical background in the subject.