Circuits - The Basics Flashcards
What do you use a standard test circuit for?
Finding the resistance of a component
How do you find the resistance of a component?
By measuring the current through and the potential difference across the component
Draw the standard test circuit
What does an ammeter measure?
The current (in amps) flowing through the component
Name the 2 facts about where to position an ammeter
- Must be placed in series
- Can be put anywhere in series in the main circuit, but never in parallel like the voltmeter
What does the volt meter measure?
Potential difference (in volts) across the component
Name the 2 important things to remember about the positioning of the voltmeter
- Must be placed in parallel around the component under test
- NOT around the variable resistor or the battery!
What 2 things are standard test cirsuits used for?
- Testing components
- Getting V-I graphs
Can the component, ammeter, and variable resitistor be put anywhere in a standard test circuit?
Why?
YES
Because they are all in series
Where must the voltmeter be positioned in a standard test circuit?
In parallel around the component under test
As you vary the variable resistor it ____ ____ ____ flowing through the circuit.
As you vary the variable resistor it alters the current flowing through the circuit
As you vary the variable resistor it alters the current flowing through the circuit
What does this let you do?
Take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter
What can you plot values for current and voltage on?
What do these let you do?
V-I graphs
Find the resistance
