Electricity: Current in a Series Circuit (DONE) Flashcards
Describe what is meant by a series circuit. Describe what is meant by an electric current. Describe the pattern of current flow in a series circuit.
What is the definition of an electric current?
An electric current is a flow of electric charge around a circuit.
What is the unit of electric current?
The unit of electric current is the ampere (A).
What can we use to measure current?
We can measure current by using an ammeter.
What does a series circuit consist of?
(also definition)
A series circuit consists of a single pathway through which current can flow, it has no branches.
In which direction does the electric current flow from in a series circuit?
In a series circuit the electric current flows from the negative end of the cell to the positive end.
In the lamp the electrical energy is transferred to what types of energy?
In the lamp the electrical energy is transferred to light and thermal energy.
If we were to show the direction a current flows in a circuit using arrows then what way would we draw these? Is there a name for this?
Funnily, in a circuit we draw the arrows the opposite direction the current flows. This is called the conventional current.
This is because many years ago scientists believed the current flowed from the positive end to the negative end.
Notes:
The electrons are carrying energy from the cell and they pass this energy to the components in the circuit such as the lamp and in the lamp the electrical energy is transferred to light and thermal energy.
What may cause a bulb to heat up while in use?
A bulb may heat up as the electrical energy passing through it is transferred to thermal energy which can cause the bulb to heat up.
When the electrons return to the positive end of the cell, they are carrying less energy than when they left the negative end. TRUE or FALSE?
It is true that when the electrons return to the positive end of the cell, they are carrying less energy than when they left the negative end.
This does not mean the current is being used up as that’s impossible.
Can current be used up in a circuit?
No, current is never used up in a circuit. In a series circuit, the current is the same all the way around.
Does the current leave the cell when the switch is on or closed?
A closed switch completes the circuit and allows current to move in the circuit.
Whereas the open switch does not allow electrons to reach the other end of the circuit.
