Chapter 3 - Electricity: Electrical Circuits

Question 1

Define Conservation of Energy

Answer 1

Energy cannot be created or destroyed - it can only be
transferred into different forms

Question 2

Define Internal Resistance

Answer 2

The resistance to the flow of charge within a source. Internal resistance results in energy being dissipated within the source

Question 3

Define Kirchhoff’s Second Law

Answer 3

A consequence of the conservation of energy. The sum
of the voltages in any closed loop must equal zero

Question 4

Define Potential Divider

Answer 4

A method of splitting a potential difference, by connecting two resistors in series. The total potential difference is split in the ratio of their resistances

Question 5

Resistors in Series

Answer 5

The current through resistors connected in series is identical for each resistor.
The potential difference is split in the ratio of their resistances.
The total resistance is equal to the sum of the resistances of the resistors

Question 6

Resistors in Parallel

Answer 6

The potential difference across resistors connected in
parallel is identical for each resistor.
The current is split between the resistors.
The total resistance is equal to the inverse of the sum of the inverses of the resistances of the resistors

Question 7

Terminal PD

Answer 7

The potential difference across the terminals of a power source. It is equal to the source’s emf minus any voltage drop over the source’s internal resistance