88-91 Devices and Types of Circuits Flashcards
What is significant about the current in a diode?
It only flows in one direction
What material is a diode made from?
Semiconductor material such as silicon
What is an LDR?
A resistor dependent on light intensity
When is resistance in an LDR highest?
In darkness
What are some applications of LDRs?
Automatic night lights
Burglar detectors
What is a thermistor?
Temperature dependent resistor
What is the relationship between temperature and resistance in a thermistor?
Temperature increase, resistance decrease
What are some applications of thermistors?
Temperature detectors in car engines and thermostats
What is a series circuit?
A circuit that you can follow without interruptions
What is shared in a series circuit?
Potential difference
What is the same throughout series circuits?
The current
What is the size of the current in a series circuit determined by?
The PD of cells / total resistance
What adds up in a series circuit?
Total resistance
Cell voltages
What’s the main difference between series and parallel circuits?
In parallels one component can be removed
What can be said about PD in parallel circuits?
The same throughout
What can be said about the current in parallel circuits?
Current is shared
current through each component added up = total current
Where should ammeters and voltmeters go in a parallel circuit?
A - always series
V - always parallel
What is the advantage of connecting fairy lights in series?
Each bulb only needs a small share of the voltage
What in a parallel circuit adds up?
Current (A)
What in a parallel circuit remains the same which does not in a series circuit?
Voltage stays the same for each bulb in a parallel circuit
Why must a car be wired with a parallel circuit?
Everything can be used sepearately
Verything gets full voltage from battery
