4.3 Electrical Circuits Flashcards
What is the conservation of energy?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred into different forms.
What is internal resistance?
The resistance to the flow of charge within a source. Internal resistance results in energy being dissipated within the source.
What is kirchhoffs second law?
A consequence of the conservation of energy. The sum of the potential drops in a circuit is equal to the emf of the circuit.
What are lost volts?
The difference between a sources emf and the terminal voltage. It is equal to the the potential difference across the sources internal resistance.
What is a parralel circuit?
Components are said to be connected in parallel when they are connected across each other (separate loops)
What is a potential divider?
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
How does potential difference behave across resistors in parrelel?
It is equal across each branch
How does current behave across resistors in parrelel?
It is split depending on the resistance
How does potential difference behave across resistors in series?
It is split in the ratio of their resistances
How does current behave across resistors in series?
It is equal everywhere in the circuit
How to calculate the total resistance in a series circuit?
Add all the resistances
R(T) = R(1) + R(2) …
How to calculate the total resistance in a parralel circuit?
The total resistance is equal to the inverse of the sum of the inversely of the resistances of the resistors.
1/R(T) = 1/R(1) + 1/R(2) ……
What is a sensor circuit?
A circuit that reacts to external conditions. They commonly involve a semiconductor connectd in a potential divider arrangement.
What is a series circuit?
Components are said to be connected in series when they are connected end to end ( only one loop )
What is terminal PD?
The potential difference across the terminals of a power source. It is equal to the sources emf minus the lost volts due to the sources internal resistance.
