current and voltage Flashcards
what is an electric
current
describes the rate of flow of electric charge
for an electric current to flow what do you need
- conductors
- energy source (battery)
what is the equation for electric current
current = charge / time
what is the symbol equation for electric current
I = Q / t
what is the unit of current
amp (A)
what instrument is used to measure current
ammeter
what is voltage
the energy of the charges in the circuit
what is the equation for voltage
voltage = energy / charge
what is the symbol equation for voltage
V = E / Q
what is the unit of voltage
volts (V)
what instrument is used to measure the voltage in a circuit
voltmeter
what does a series circuit for current consist of
a battery, an ammeter, two lamps
what is a series circuit
one loop
what is the rule for current in a series circuit
the current is the same everywhere
what does a series circuit for voltage consist of
battery, two lamps, voltmeter across battery and voltmeters across each lamp
what is the rule for voltage in a series circuit
the voltage of the battery is shared between each component
what is a parallel circuit
multiple loops
what does a parallel circuit for current consist of
a battery, two lamps in separate loops and ammeters next to the components
what is the rule for current in a parallel circuit
the total current is shared between each loop
what does a parallel circuit for voltage consist of
battery, two lamps in separate loops and a voltmeter across each component
what is the rule for voltage in a parallel circuit
voltage in each loop is the same and equal to the battery
