Circuits Flashcards
What is static electricity?
When negatively charged atoms transfer to one object to another.
What is an insulator?
Something that does not conduct electricity well
What is a conductor?
Something that is able to conduct electricity well
What does charge refer to as?
The property of matter, it can be either positive or negative
Describe what current refers to as?
Current is the (rate of) flow of charge in a circuit
What is the symbol and unit for Current?
Symbol: I
Unit: A (amps)
What are the two types of circuits?
Series and Parallel circuits.
What is a series circuit?
A circuit set as one continuous loop. It is set so all the components must be functioning for the circuit to work.
What is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit contains diverging paths, which form different loops. If one component breaks in a parallel circuit, the other components will still function.
What is potential difference?
The difference in energy between 2 components in a circuit.
What is the symbol and unit for potential difference?
Symbol: V
Unit: V/voltage
What is the current in a series circuit?
The current stays the same in a series circuit.
What is the current in a parallel circuit?
The current splits between the two currents and rejoins at the end.
What is the potential difference in a series circuit?
Potential difference is shared between the components of a series circuits (V total = Va + Vb).
What is the potential difference in a parallel circuit?
Voltage of the supply is the same as the potential difference across each branch.
