Key Circuit Symbols Flashcards
What is the purpose of a circuit diagram?
To show how components are connected together.
What is the difference between a battery and a cell?
A cell is a single unit that provides electric charge, while a battery consists of two or more cells connected together.
What determines the size of an electric current?
The rate of flow of electric charge.
How can you calculate the size of an electric current?
Using the equation I = Q/t, where I is current in amperes, Q is charge in coulombs, and t is time in seconds.
True or False: An electric current is a flow of charge.
True.
What is the symbol for electric current?
I (for current in amperes).
Fill in the blank: Electric charge is measured in _______.
coulombs (C).
What does a fixed resistor do in a circuit?
Limits the current in a circuit.
What is the function of a switch in an electric circuit?
To enable the current to be switched on or off.
What does a diode do?
Allows current to flow in one direction only.
What does a light-emitting diode (LED) do?
Emits light when a current passes through it.
What is an ammeter used for?
To measure electric current.
What is the purpose of a variable resistor?
To vary the amount of current flowing through a circuit.
What happens when the current through a fuse exceeds a certain amount?
The fuse melts and breaks the circuit.
What is a heater designed to do?
Transfer energy from an electric current to heat the surroundings.
What is the function of a voltmeter?
To measure potential difference (voltage).
Fill in the blank: An electric current of 1 ampere is a rate of flow of charge of _______ per second.
1 coulomb.
In a single closed loop circuit, what can be said about the current at any point?
The current is the same at any point in the circuit.
What happens to the brightness of a bulb when the current flowing through it decreases?
The bulb becomes dimmer.
What is the direction of conventional current flow in a circuit?
From the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
What is the equation for calculating charge flow?
Q = I x t.
Describe what happens if you include a diode in a circuit.
It allows current to flow only when connected correctly, preventing damage from incorrect battery placement.
What is the agreed symbol for a cell in a circuit diagram?
A long line (positive terminal) and a short line (negative terminal).
What does the + symbol next to the long line of a cell indicate?
It indicates the positive terminal of the cell.
What is the charge that passes through a lamp if a current of 0.25 A flows for 60 seconds?
15 coulombs.
What happens to electrons in a metal when an electric current flows?
Electrons move freely between positively charged metal ions.
True or False: The current in a circuit varies depending on the location within the circuit.
False.
