P4.5 - Series Circuits (Finished) Flashcards
How is potential difference spread out in a series circuit?
The total pd of the power supply is shared between the various components of a series circuit
How is current spread out in a series circuit?
In a series circuit current is the same throughout all components
How do you calculate the total resistance of two or more components in series?
The total resistance of two or more components in series is the sum of their resistances
When cells are connected in series how does p.d. change?
When cells are connected in series their total p.d. is added up and so the p.d. of the circuit is increased
What is the problem of connecting components in series?
If one component in series is removed/disconnected the circuit is broken and so all stop working
How are components layed out in a series circuit?
In a series circuit all components are connected in a line, end to end, between +ive and -ive of power supply
Why in a series circuit is the total resistance of two components the sum of their resistances?
By adding a second resistor in series the potential difference is across them is lower as it is shared. This means that the current is lower too. Current is the same everywhere so total current is reduced and so resistance increased
How do you calculate the size of current in a series circuit?
Size of current = total pd / total resistance
