Circuits - The Basics Flashcards
What’s an ammeter?
Measures the current
The ammeter MUST be placed in series
What are the fourteen things in a circuit? Doesn’t include wires
Cell Battery Open switch / closed switch Filament lamp Fuse LED Resistor Variable resistor Ammeter Voltmeter Diode LDR Thermistor
What does the voltmeter do?
Measures the potential difference
The voltmeter MUST be placed in parallel
What increases resistance?
Temperature
What is a diode used for?
Regulate the potential difference in circuits
What’s an LDR?
Light dependant resistor
What does an LDR do?
A resister that depends on the intensity of light. In bright light, the resistance falls
What are som applications for LDR’s?
Automatic night lights
Outdoor lighting
Burglar alarms
What is a thermistor?
It’s a temperature dependant resistor
How does a resistor work?
In hot conditions, the resistance drops
In cold conditions, the resistance goes up
What are applications for thermistors?
Car engine temperature sensors
Electronic thermostats
