P2 - Electricity Flashcards
What is meant by a series circuit?
The current can only flow in one path.
It has no branches.
What is meant by an electric current?
A flow of electric charge around a circuit.
Describe the pattern of flow in a series circuit
Electric current flows from negative end of cell to positive end.
What is meant by a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit contains branches.
The current splits.
Describe the pattern of current flow in a parallel circuit
The current in the branches adds up to the total current leaving the cell.
What is meant by potential difference?
A potential difference of 1 volt tells us that 1 joule of energy is transferred for each coulomb of charge that is moving through the circuit.
How can we measure potential difference?
A voltmeter
Describe potential difference in series circuits
The total p.d. of the power supply is shared between the components.
Describe how potential difference changes in parallel circuits
The potential difference across each component is the same
What is a battery?
2 or more cells connected together
(Must be connected in the same direction)
What is meant by resistance?
The p.d. required to drive a current through a component.
What is a resistor?
