Circuits Flashcards
What is a series circuit
Different components connected in a line
If you disconnect one component from the circuit the entire circuit it broken and the whole circuit stops.
Potential difference in series circuits
The potential difference is shared between various components
Therefor the total potential difference is the total of the potential difference shared across the components
Equation for the total voltage (series circuit)
V(total) = V(1) + V(2) + …
Current in series circuits
The current is equal across the entire components
Equation for the total current (series circuit)
I(1) = I(2) = …
What is a parallel circuit
Each component us separately connected to the +ve and -ve of the supply
If you remove or disconnect one of them it will hardly affect the others
Potential difference in a parallel circuit
The potential difference is the same across all components
For example this means every bulb has the same brightness
Equation for the total voltage (parallel circuit)
V(1) = V(2) = …
Current in a parallel circuit
The total current is equal to the current flowing through each separate component
The total current going into a junction is equal to the total current leaving
If two identical components are connected in parallel the same current will flow through each component
Equation for the total current (parallel circuit)
I(total) = I(1) + I(2) + …
Resistors in a parallel circuit
The total resistance is always less than the lowest resistance of the smallest resistor.
Investigating resistors in series
Create a circuit with a battery, resistor and ammeter in series. Make sure you know the potential difference of the batter and record the current using the ammeter
Calculate the resistance using R=V/I.
Add another resistor in series to the first making sure it has an identical resistance
Calculate the resistance using R=V/I.
Repeat until you have added all the resistors
Graph for a resistor in series
The total resistance increases so the more resistors the greater the total resistance
Investigating resistors in parallel
Create a circuit with a battery, resistor and ammeter in series. Make sure you know the potential difference of the batter and record the current using the ammeter
Calculate the resistance using R=V/I.
Add another resistor in parallel to the first making sure it has an identical resistance
Calculate the resistance using R=V/I.
Repeat until you have added all the resistors
Graph for a resistor in parallel
The more resistors the lower the total resistance
