Plug it in Switch it On - Circuits

Question 1

Resistor

Answer 1

An electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current

Question 2

a Load

Answer 2

Any electrical component that changes electrical energy into other forms of energy

E.g. Light bulb transfers electricity into Heat and Light energy

Question 3

Conductor

Answer 3

an Object or type of material that allows the flow of electrical current (metals)

Question 4

Voltage(v)

Answer 4

The measure of the the electrical energy carried by the charges (electrons) in a circuit

Question 5

What is voltage measured in and how is it measured?

Answer 5

Measured in Volts(v), measured with a Voltmeter

Question 6

Resistance (R)

Answer 6

The measure of how much a load restricts and reduces the flow of current

Question 7

How is resistance measured?

Answer 7

Using Ohms Law

Question 8

Current (i)

Answer 8

The flow of charge in a circuit

Question 9

How is current measured?

Answer 9

Measured using an ammeter, measured in Amps(A)

Question 10

Ohms Law

Answer 10

V=IxR

Variations:
R=V/I
I=V/R

Question 11

If Voltage Rises then _____

Answer 11

Current increases

Question 12

How can we keep resistance constant in an experiment?

Answer 12

Replace loads after each test as as they heat up there is more resistance.

Question 13

What is the water analogy for electrical circuits?

Answer 13

1. Water will flow down the path with the least resistance (Current)
2. The bigger the pipe, the more water can flow through (Voltage)
3. The more water pressure (kinetic energy), the faster the water moves (Voltage)

Question 14

List 3 Advantages of a Series Circuit

Answer 14

1. Cheap to create
2. Smoke detectors
3. Simple - one switch required

Question 15

List 2 Disadvantages of a Series Circuit

Answer 15

1. If one load goes out, they all go out

2. Less current is drawn every time a load is added (Because more resistance)

Question 16

Parallel Circuit

Answer 16

1. Components are connected in separate branches
2. Current is divided between each components in branches
3. Each branch uses full voltage provided by power pack

Question 17

List Advantages of Parallel Circuits

Answer 17

1. If more loads are added, they will not dim each other

2. Different loads that require different current will work on the same circuit

Question 18

List Disadvantages of Parallel Circuits

Answer 18

1. Expense to make

2. More current is drawn every time a load is added (makes battery go flat faster)