Electrical Circuits Flashcards
Conservation of Energy:
Energy cannot be created or destroyed - it can only be
transferred into different forms.
Internal resistance
The resistance to the flow of charge within a source. Internal resistance results in energy being dissipated within the source.
Kirchhoff’s Second Law
A consequence of the conservation of energy. The sum of the voltages in any closed loop must equal zero.
Lost volts
The difference between a source’s emf and the terminal voltage. It is equal to the potential difference across the source’s internal resistance
Parallel circuit
Components are said to be connected in parallel when they are connected across each other (separate loops).
Potential Divider
A method of splitting a potential difference, by connecting two resistors in series. The total potential difference is split in the ratio of their resistances.
Resistors in Parallel
: The potential difference across resistors connected in parallel is identical for each resistor. The current is split between the resistors. The total resistance is equal to the inverse of the sum of the inverses of the resistances of the resistors.
Resistors in Series
The current through resistors connected in series is identical for each resistor. The potential difference is split in the ratio of their resistances. The total resistance is equal to the sum of the resistances of the resistors.
Sensor Circuits
A circuit that reacts to external conditions. They commonly involve a semiconductor connected in a potential divider arrangement.
Series Circuit
Components are said to be connected in series when they are connected end to end (in one loop).
Terminal PD
The potential difference across the terminals of a power source. It is equal to the source’s emf minus any voltage drop over the source’s internal resistance.
