Learning Module A2 Flashcards
What is the simplest circuit connection called?
Series connection
A series connection is the simplest way to connect electrical components for current flow.
How is a series circuit constructed?
By connecting all circuit components in line with one another
A series circuit connects components in a single path for current flow.
What occurs if any part of a series circuit is opened?
Current cannot flow and none of the components will operate
Opening the switch or a component failure can open the circuit.
What happens to electrons in a series circuit connected to a battery?
Electrons leave the negative terminal, flow through the load, and re-enter the positive terminal
This completes the current loop in the circuit.
Fill in the blank: A series circuit provides _______ path for current flow.
one
Only one path is available for current to flow in a series circuit.
True or False: In a series circuit, if one component fails, the entire circuit will stop working.
True
A series circuit is dependent on all components functioning properly.
What establishes a difference in potential in a series circuit?
Current flowing through each resistor
Each resistor offers opposition to current flow, creating a voltage drop.
How is polarity expressed in a circuit?
Relative to another point
Polarity at one point is always compared to another point in the circuit.
What is the total resistance of a series circuit?
The sum of all individual resistances
This is expressed as R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + …
What happens to the total resistance when individual resistances are connected in series?
They have the same effect as one large combined resistance
Each resistor opposes current flow, contributing to total resistance.
Fill in the blank: The overall resistance in a series circuit is the combined opposition of all the _______.
[in-line resistances]
What are the 2 fundamental laws related in a series circuits?
ohm’s law kerchov’s voltage law
These laws are essential for solving complex circuit problems.
What is the relationship expressed for resistances in a series circuit?
R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + …
This formula illustrates how to calculate total resistance.
In a series circuit, how does the current behave?
The current is the same at any point in the circuit
This means the total current in a series circuit is equal to the current through any resistance.
What is the formula that expresses the relationship for current in a series circuit?
I_total = I1 = I2 = I3
This indicates that the current is uniform throughout the circuit.
What must exist before any current will flow through a resistance?
A potential difference (voltage)
This is a fundamental principle derived from Ohm’s law.
How is the total voltage in a series circuit determined?
The total voltage is equal to the sum of all individual voltage drops
Voltage drops occur across each resistor as current passes through.
Fill in the blank: As current passes through each resistor in a series circuit, it establishes a difference in potential across each individual resistance, commonly called a _______.
voltage drop
The magnitude of the voltage drop is directly proportional to the value of the resistance.
True or False: In a series circuit, the voltage drop across each resistor is the same.
False
The voltage drop varies depending on the resistance of each component.
What happens to the voltage drop across a resistor in a series circuit when the resistance value increases?
The voltage drop increases as the resistance increases
This is due to Ohm’s law, where E = I x R.
What is the formula that expresses the relationship of voltages in a series circuit?
E_total = E_1 + E_2 + E_3 + …
This formula indicates that the total voltage is the sum of individual voltage drops.
How do you calculate the voltage drop across a resistor using Ohm’s law?
E = I x R
E is the voltage drop, I is the current, and R is the resistance.
True or False: An open in a series circuit interrupts current flow.
True
Without current flow, the voltage drop across each resistor is zero.
What appears across the open if there is no current flow in a series circuit?
The potential difference of the source
A voltmeter connected across the open will read the same as the supply voltage.