6.3 Practical Circuits Flashcards
what is a series circuit?
A series circuit is where all the components are connected to form a single loop. It has the same current flowing through it but the voltage is split.
Disadvantages of a series circuit
- globes cannot be controlled individually
- current stops flowing is one globe blows
- more globes make them glow duller
what is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit is when it has a number of branching circuits, each having its own components. It has the same voltage through it but the current is split.
Advantages of a parallel circuit
- each branch can be controlled
- current doesnt stop from one blow
- globes dont glow duller from one blow
what is a combination circuit?
a combination circuit is when it has a mixture of series and parallel circuits.
3 wires from a cable:
- active wire, brown plastic, carries energy to the power point
- neutral wire, blue, carries energy away from power point
- earth wire, yellow/green plastic, connects the power point to the earth
what is a fuse?
a fuse is a wire with a high resistance and a low melting point.
how does a fuse work?
The wire will melt if too much current flows through it. It breaks the circuit and stops the flow of current.
What is a circuit breaker?
a circuit breaker is a switch activated by higher-than-normal current
what is a safety switch?
it monitors how much current is flowing through a power circuit.
how does a safety switch work?
it breaks when it detects a leak within 0.03 seconds. Also known as a residual current device RCD
