CH 11 - Electrcity Flashcards
what is Kirchhoff’s second law?
- takes the law of conservation of energy and applies it to electrical circuits.
- the sum of the electromotive force is equal to the sum of all the p.d.s. around a closed loop.
what is a series circuit?
a type of electrical circuit where the components are connected end-to-end.
there is only path for the current.
what is a parallel cirucit?
a type of branching circuit in which there is more than one path for current- components in parralel have the same potential difference.
rule for resistance in series circuits?
R = R₁ + R₂ +…
rule for resistance in parallel circuits?
1/R = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ +….
What is internal resistance?
resistance of a source of emf due to its construction, which causes a loss of energy as charge passes through the source.
What affect does increase in current have on the lost volts/
emf = terminal p.d. + lost volts
therefore increase in lost volts
what is terminal p.d.?
- voltage measured across terminals
- equals emf when no current flows
- less than emf when current flows due to internal resistance.
What are potential divider circuits?
these circuits can vary the p.d. across an output when connected to a fixed input.
What is a potentiometer?
a potentiometer is a variable resistor with three terminals and a sliding contact. Adjusting this contact varies the p.d. between two of the terminals, giving a varibale V out.
-potentiometers can be made very compact,making them useful forportable electronic devices.