1 Flashcards
What is the formula for total voltage in a series circuit?
V total = V1 + V2 + V3
Total voltage in a series circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component.
How is total voltage in a parallel circuit calculated?
V total = V1 = V2 = V3
In a parallel circuit, all components have the same voltage.
How is voltage measured in a circuit?
Using voltmeters connected in parallel
Voltmeters measure the energy (volts) released from the cell.
What happens to voltage when more cells are added?
Voltage increases
Adding more cells increases the total voltage available in the circuit.
What is the relationship between current in a series circuit?
Current is the same everywhere
In a series circuit, the current remains constant across all components.
How is total current calculated in a parallel circuit?
A total = A1 + A2 + A3
In a parallel circuit, total current is the sum of the currents through each pathway.
How is current measured in a circuit?
Using ammeters connected in series
Ammeters measure the flow of current (amps) in the circuit.
What is current defined as?
Flow of electrons
Current represents the movement of electric charge in a circuit.
True or False: Current always takes the path of greatest resistance.
False
Current flows along the path with the least resistance in a circuit.
What is a short circuit?
A path with no components
A short circuit occurs when current can flow along an unimpeded path, bypassing components.
What can happen if wires in a circuit overheat?
They can cause fires
Increased current flow due to low resistance can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
What is resistance in a circuit?
Measure of difficulty for current to pass
Resistance is measured in Ohms and affects current flow.
How does higher resistance affect current flow?
Lower current flow
Higher resistance leads to a decrease in the amount of current that can flow through a circuit.
How does lower resistance affect current flow?
Higher current flow
Lower resistance allows more current to flow through the circuit.
What is a resistor?
Component designed to reduce current flow
Resistors are used to control the amount of current in a circuit.
In a series circuit, how does current behave?
Stays the same
The current remains constant for all components in a series circuit.
In a parallel circuit, how does voltage behave?
Same across all components
Each pathway in a parallel circuit experiences the same voltage.
