Physics - Electricity Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a series circuit?
all the components connected in one loop
sharing voltage
the same current flowing through each component continuously
what is a parallel circuit?
the components connected on separate branches
voltage is the same across each branch
current is shared
how to solve resistance in a series circuit?
sum of individual resistance of each component
formula for voltage
V = IR
how to find the potential difference of the battery in a series circuit?
V total = v1 + v2 + v3 ….
how to find current in a parallel circuit?
I total = I1 + I2 + I3
how to find the potential difference in a parallel circuit?
V total = v1 = v2 = v3
what do ammeters do
measure current in amps
what do voltmeters do
measure potential difference in volts
what does a diode do?
allows current to flow in one direction
what does a variable resistor do?
modify the amount of resistance
what does a thermistor do?
changes its resistance depending on the temperature.
what does a LDR do?
changes its resistance depending on the light level.
what does a fuse do?
breaks the circuit if the current is too high.
Which type of current periodically reverses its direction?
alternating current
When charge always flows around a circuit in the same direction, we call it:
direct current
what is direct current supplied by?
batteries
cells
what is alternating current supplied by?
mains supply
what is the frequency and voltage of the mains supply in the uk?
50Hz & 240V
What does an oscilloscope do?
displays how voltage changes with time
what wire is green and yellow?
the earth wire
what wire is blue?
the neutral wire
what wire is brown?
the live wire
Which wire completes the circuit, allowing current to flow?
the neutral wire
