The two basic components of an electrical circuit are:
1. **Power Source**: This provides the electrical energy needed to drive the current through the circuit. Common examples include batteries, generators, and power supplies. The power source establishes the potential difference (voltage) that drives the flow of electrical charge.
2. **Load**: This is the component or device that consumes electrical energy and converts it into other forms of energy, such as light, heat, or mechanical work. Examples of loads include resistors, light bulbs, motors, and appliances. The load is where the electrical energy is used or dissipated.
These components work together to form a complete circuit. The power source creates a voltage difference, and the load uses this energy to perform work. In addition to these basic components, most circuits also include conductors (wires) and sometimes switches or other control elements, but the power source and load are fundamental to the operation of any electrical circuit.