Circuits Flashcards
What is the rule for current in a series circuit?
The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit. If a second cell is added the current doubles.
What is the rule for current in a parallel circuit?
The current splits in a parallel circuit
- the current going into and leaving each branch is equal
- the current next to the battery is equal to the sum of the current of the branches
What is the rule for voltage in a series circuit?
In a series circuit the voltage of the battery splits between each component.
What is the rule for voltage in a parallel circuit?
The voltage across each branch in a parallel circuit is the same.
What is electrical current?
The flow of charge carried by electrons
What happens when a battery or cell is connected to a wire with components?
The ‘free’ electrons travel overall flow away from the negative terminal so there’s a net flow of charge.
What component measures current?
Ammeter
What is another way of of saying 1Amp?
1C(coulomb)/s(second)
What’s the equation linking current, charge and time?
Charge,Q(coulomb)=current,I(amp) x time,t(second)
What’s another way of describing voltage?
Joules/coulomb
What’s the equation linking energy transferred, voltage and charge?
Energy transferred,E(Joules)=Charge,Q(coulombs) x Voltage,V(volts)
What component do you use for measuring voltage?
Voltmeter
What are some general rules about series circuits?
- a switch anywhere can turn all components of or on
- if a bulb breaks the circuit is incomplete and all components will turn off
- the energy supplied by the battery is shared between all components
What are some general rules about parallel circuits?
- a switch doesn’t necessarily turn all components off or on
- if a component breaks only the ones on that beach will be affected
- each branch receives the same voltage
What’s the equation linking voltage, resistance and current?
Voltage,V(volts,V)
Resistance,R(Ohms,Ω) =——————————
Current,I(amps,A)
