A voltage source is a source of electricity that (ideally) outputs a constant voltage. That is, a perfect voltage source will hold its output voltage constant regardless of the load imposed upon it.
Ideal Voltage Sources:
-10 V
1 kΩ Load
-10 V
1 mΩ Load
E = 10 V
E = 10 V
I = 10 mA
I = 10 kA
In real life, there is no such thing as a perfect voltage source, but sources having extremely low internal resistance come close. Another type of electricity source is the current source, which (ideally) outputs a constant current regardless of the load imposed upon it. A common symbol for a current source is a circle with an arrow inside, always pointing in the direction of conventional flow (not electron flow!). Another symbol is two intersecting circles, with an arrow nearby pointing in the direction of conventional flow. Predict how an ideal current source would behave for the following two load scenarios:
Ideal Current Sources:
10 mA
1 kΩ Load
10 mA
1 MΩ Load
E = ???
E = ???
I = 10 mA
I = 10 mA
