Physics - Circuits Flashcards
What is a series circuit?
A series circuit is a type of circuit that has only one path for the flow of electrons.
How does current work within a series circuit?
In a series circuit current will always remain the same. As there is only one path for the flow of electrons, electrons can only move as fast as the one in front of it resulting in the same current throughout.
How does voltage work within a series circuit?
In a series circuit voltage will be distributed between resistors. The voltages across each resistor add up to the total voltage from the power supply.
e.g. Series circuit with a 9-volt battery and 3 light bulbs, each lightbulb would get 3 volts.
What is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit is a type of circuit that has more than one path for the flow of electrons.
How does current work within a parallel circuit?
In a parallel circuit, the current does not remain the same throughout. The current through each pathway of the circuit adds up to the total current from the power supply.
How does voltage work within a parallel circuit?
In a parallel circuit, every resistor will get a voltage equivalent to the battery. This is because each light bulb gets its own individual pathway for the flow of electrons.
What is current?
Current is the flow of electrons through a circuit.
What is voltage?
Voltage is the amount of energy that an electron has.
What is resistance and how is it measured?
Resistance is what slows down the movement of electrons/current in a circuit. It is measured using a ohmmeter.
How do you calculate voltage, current, and resistance?
We calculate voltage, current, and resistance using Ohm’s Law.
What happens when you add more light bulbs in a series circuit?
When you add more lightbulbs in a series circuit, the total resistance will increase for each light bulb added. As light bulbs add more resistance this decreases the total current. Furthermore, with the addition of light bulbs brightness will decrease for each light bulb as voltage has to be split.
What happens when you add more light bulbs in a parallel circuit?
When you add more light bulbs in a parallel circuit, the total resistance decreases, which increases the total current. Resistance decreases with the addition of light bulbs as it creates more paths for the current. Furthermore, with the addition of light bulbs in a parallel circuit each light bulb will get a voltage equal to the battery so it will all be the same brightness.
What is a voltmeter and how do you use it?
A voltmeter is a device that measures the potential difference or voltage between two points in a circuit. A voltmeter has a positive and negative wire which you place at opposite ends of the light bulb to measure voltage.
What is Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law is a mathematical formula used to find the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.
How is voltage, current, and resistance related to each other?
When the voltage increases, the current also increases.
When the resistance increases, the current decreases.
