A-LEVEL Physics: 5.3.2: Series & Parallel Circuits (SaveMyExams) Flashcards
In a Series Circuit, the Current is the ___ for All Components.
Same.
In a ___ Circuit, the Current is the Same for All Components.
Series.
When Components are Connected in Series, they have the Same…
Current.
In a Parallel Circuit, What happens to the Current?
In a Parallel Circuit, the Current is Split Across the Branches.
Total Current Into a Junction Must Equal Total Current Out of a Junction.
In Parallel Circuits, the Current ___ ___ at the Branches.
Splits Up.
In Parallel Circuits, the Current Splits Up at Branches. What Determines how Much Current Flows Through Each Branch?
The Amount of Current in Each Branch Depends on the Total Resistance of the Components Within that Branch.
The Amount of Current in Each Branch of a Parallel Circuit Depends on…
The Total Resistance of the Components Within that Branch.
How is the EMF of the Power Supply shared amongst the Components in a Series Circuit?
In a Series Circuit, Each Component gets a Share of EMF Depending on their Resistance.
How is the EMF of the Power Supply shared amongst the Components in a Parallel Circuit?
In a Parallel Circuit, the Total Voltage of All the Components in Each Branch = EMF.
Cells Can be Connected in…
Series or Parallel.
The Total Voltage of Combined Cells Can be Calculated in the Same Way as Voltage: (2)
-If the Cells are Connected in Series, Vtotal = V1 + V2 …
-If the Cells are Connected in Parallel, Vtotal = Voltage of 1 Cell.
Vtotal in Series = …
Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3 …
Vtotal in Parallel = …
Vtotal = V1 = V2 = V3 …
Itotal in Series = …
Itotal = I1 = I2 = I3 …
Itotal in Parallel = …
Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3 …
Rtotal in Series = …
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3 …
Rtotal in Parallel = …
1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 …
Kirchoff’s First Law (Law of Conservation of Charge):
The Sum of the Current Entering a Junction Must Always Equal the Sum of the Current Leaving a Junction.
What is a ‘Junction’?
In a Circuit, a Junction is a Point where at least Three Circuit Paths Meet.
What is a ‘Branch’?
In a Circuit, a Branch is a Path Connecting Two Junctions.
If a Circuit is Split into Two Branches, then the Current Before the Split Should Equal…
The Current After the Split.
Charge is Conserved on Both Sides of a ___.
Junction.
In a Series Circuit, the Current is the ___ Through All Components.
Same.
In a Parallel Circuit, the Current ___ at the Junctions, & Each Branch has a Different Value of ___, Based on the…
Divides, Current. Rtotal of the Branch.
Law of Conservation of Energy:
‘Energy is Never Created nor Destroyed, Only Transferred.’
Kirchoff’s Second Law:
‘The Total EMF in a Closed Circuit = the Sum of the Potential Difference Across Each Component.’
What is Kirchoff’s Second Law a Result of?
Kirchoff’s Second Law is a Result of the Law of Conservation of Energy.
In a Series Circuit, the Voltage is Split Across All Components, Depending on their…
Resistances.
In a Series Circuit, the Sum of the Voltages = …
The Total EMF of the Power Supply.
In a Parallel Circuit, the Voltage is the Same Across Each…
Closed Loop.
In a Parallel Circuit, the Sum of the Voltages of Each Close Circuit Loop = …
The Total EMF of the Power Supply.
What are ‘Closed-Circuit Loops’?
Parallel Circuits are Made up of Two or More Closed-Circuit Loops.
Each Closed-Circuit Loop Acts as its own, Independent Series Circuit. Each One Separates at a Junction.
Why are Parallel Circuits Very Useful for Home Wiring Systems?
Because Parallel Circuits are Made Up of Two or More Closed-Circuit Loops, which Act as Individual Series Circuits.
