Schematics are very important to graphically communicate how a circuit is wired. The power source, ground, and all kinds of components have symbols that represent their function. I use schematic drawings a lot for solving voltage drops and total resistance in a circuit. To figure out voltage, amperes, and resistance mathematically we need to use Ohm's Law. Ohm's Law can be summarized as a simple equation that is Voltage equals Current times Resistance. If one knows at least two measurements, this formula can be used to solve for the unknown. For instance, we want to know which resistor makes the LED shine the brightest and we know in order for LED to shine it needs 2.5 volts and 20 milliamps. A resistor soaks up a certain amount of volts from the power source and is divided by the resistor and LED. The larger the resistor is the dimmer the LED will be. There is another type of resistor called a potentiometer, which is a variable resistor. Using a Philips screw driver we can change the resistance that can the LED shine or dim by turning a dial.
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