Power & connections

Battery Block

3 V from two AAA batteries. The longer plate and + side is the positive end.

Value: 3V
Family: Power & connections
Terminals: + (right), − (left)

Press the block to see it work.

Power & connections blocks

Power and connection blocks carry current around the circuit. The Battery Block pushes it, and the wire, corner and junction blocks give it a path, so every loop starts and ends here.

Circuits that use this block

First buildLight it upBattery, switch and an LED in one loop.
First buildWhat happens in reverse?The LED is turned round, so it stays dark.
First buildPress to lightA push button lights the LED only while you hold it.
First buildOne source, two pathsTwo LEDs in parallel, both with the same brightness.
First buildWhen components line upTwo LEDs in series. Together they need more than 3 V, so neither lights.
First buildAND gate: two buttons in seriesBoth buttons must be pressed at the same time.
First buildOR gate: two buttons in parallelEither button lights the LED.
Next stepSwitching with a transistorA tiny current through the base turns on the LED.
Next stepA circuit that craves lightThe LED lights in daylight and turns off when you cover the light sensor.
Next stepTurn the brightness up or downA potentiometer sets the transistor's base voltage, so it dims the LED.
Next stepTouch to activateYour finger on the X Junction pads passes a tiny current into the transistor base.
Next stepCharge it, release itThe left button charges the capacitor (the buzzer blips). The right button lets it discharge through the LED.
Next stepCapacitor delay-off timerPress the button and the LED stays on for a while after you let go.
Next stepSpin a motorThe same loop with a DC motor. Rotate the motor to reverse its direction.
Next stepMagnet-activated switchThe Hall effect switch lights the LED when a magnet comes close.
ClassicLet's make some musicThe Melody IC drives a passive buzzer. It is faint on its own.
ClassicMaking a melody louderA transistor amplifies the Melody IC so the passive buzzer rings out.

Other blocks in this family

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