STEM/Robotics/ATL Tinkering Curriculum | Level 1 | Experiment 3 | LED Blinking Circuit Using Switch
Create a circuit where a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is connected to a resistor, and a switch is placed in parallel with the LED. The configuration is such that when the switch is turned on, the LED turns off.
Components Needed:
LED (any color)
Resistor (1KΩ for the LED)
Switch (SPST switch)
Breadboard
Jumper wires
Power supply (battery or power source, typically 9V)
The LED is connected in series with a resistor to limit the current flowing through the LED.
The positive (anode) terminal of the LED is connected to the positive terminal of the battery (through the switch).
The negative (cathode) terminal of the LED is connected to the resistor, which is then connected to the negative terminal of the battery.
Switch in Parallel:
The switch is placed parallel to the LED.
One terminal of the switch is connected to the anode of the LED, and the other terminal is connected to the cathode of the LED.
When the switch is open, current flows through the LED, turning it on.
When the switch is closed, it creates a short circuit path across the LED (low-resistance path), bypassing the LED. As a result, the current no longer flows through the LED, and it turns off.
Steps to Build the Circuit:
Place the LED and Resistor:
Connect the anode of the LED to the positive terminal of the battery through a wire.
Connect the cathode of the LED to a resistor, and then connect the other end of the resistor to the negative terminal of the battery.
Place the Switch:
Connect one terminal of the switch to the anode of the LED.
Connect the other terminal of the switch to the cathode of the LED.
Connect the Power Supply:
The positive terminal of the battery should be connected to the switch and the anode of the LED.
The negative terminal should be connected to the resistor and cathode of the LED.
Expected Outcome:
Initially, the LED is ON because the current flows through the LED and resistor.
When the switch is turned ON (closed), the current bypasses the LED (since the switch is in parallel with the LED), creating a short circuit path. As a result, the LED turns OFF.