Circuit Photos Flashcards
What is a circuit diagram?
A visual representation showing how the components in a circuit are connected together
Each component has its own symbol, which must be recognized to avoid confusion.
What is the difference between a battery and a cell?
A cell is a single unit that provides electric power, while a battery consists of two or more cells connected together.
What determines the size of an electric current?
The rate of flow of electric charge, which is the number of electrons passing through a component each second.
How is electric current measured?
In amperes (A), sometimes abbreviated as ‘amps’.
Fill in the blank: An electric current of 1 ampere is a rate of flow of charge of _______ per second.
1 coulomb
What is the equation relating charge flow, current, and time?
Q = I × t
Where Q is charge (coulombs), I is current (amperes), and t is time (seconds).
What is the role of a switch in an electric circuit?
To enable the current in a circuit to be switched on or off.
What does a diode do?
Allows current to flow in one direction only.
What is a light-emitting diode (LED)?
A diode that emits light when a current passes through it.
What is the function of an ammeter?
To measure electric current.
What is a fuse designed to do?
To melt and break the circuit if the current exceeds a certain amount.
What is the purpose of a variable resistor?
To allow the current in a circuit to be varied.
What does a voltmeter measure?
Potential difference (voltage).
True or False: The current at any point in a single closed loop circuit is the same as the current at any other point.
True
What is electric charge measured in?
Coulombs (C).
What happens to the brightness of a bulb when the slider of a variable resistor is moved?
The brightness changes depending on the amount of current flowing through the bulb.
What happens if a diode is incorrectly placed in a circuit?
It can damage components, such as a portable radio, if batteries are inserted the wrong way.
How do you calculate the charge passing through a lamp if the current is 0.25 A for 60 seconds?
Charge, Q = I × t = 0.25 A × 60 s = 15 C
What is the significance of the positive terminal symbol on a cell?
Indicates the positive terminal of the cell, which is essential for correct circuit assembly.
Fill in the blank: An electric current is a flow of _______.
Charge
What is the effect of moving the slider on a variable resistor towards one side?
It alters the amount of current flowing through the circuit.
What is the main purpose of an electric heater in a circuit?
To transfer energy from an electric current to heat the surroundings.
What is the historical significance of the direction of current flow in circuits?
The convention shows current flow from positive to negative, despite electrons moving from negative to positive.
What occurs when an electric current flows through a bulb?
It emits light as a signal indicating current presence.
What is the relationship between the number of electrons and the size of the current?
A larger number of electrons passing through a component each second results in a larger current.
