Physics - P2 Flashcards
What is a parallel circuit?
- a parallel circuit is one which is made of more than one loop
- the current has different paths it can flow through
What is a series circuit?
- a series circuit is made up of one loop
- the current only has one path to flow through
What is an alternating current (AC)?
- an electric current in a circuit that repeatedly reversed its direction
What is a direct current (DC)?
- an electric current in a circuit that is in one direction only
What does adding resistors do to a parallel circuit?
- adding resistors (or bulbs) in a parallel circuit decreases the total resistance
What is the equation for charge?
Charge = current x time
What is the equation for voltage?
Voltage = current x resistance
What wires are what colours?
Live wire = red
Earth wire = green and yellow
Neutral wire = blue
What is the equation for electrical energy?
Electrical energy = charge x voltage
What is the other equation for electrical energy?
Electrical energy = power x time
What is the equation for power?
Power = current x voltage
What does the national grid do?
- the national grid distributes electricity around the country
- power station e.g. houses, shops or factories
What do transformers do?
- transformers can change the voltage of an alternating current (AC) supply
What is a step up transformer?
- a step up transformer has more turns on the secondary coil and so increases voltage
What is a step down transformer?
- a step down transformer has fewer turns on the secondary coil so that it decreases the voltage
