Series And Parallel Circuits Flashcards
What are the two ways that a component can be connected in a circuit?
- Series (same loop)
- parallel (adjacent loop)
Voltage is also known as….
Potential difference
How does the potential difference across two components vary when connected in series and parallel?
- In a series circuit the total potential difference is shared between each component
- In. Parallel circuit the Potential difference across each component is the same
If 2 resistors are connected in parallel, what can be said about their combined total resistance?
their total resistance is less than the smallest of the two individual resistances
If two resistors are connected in series, what can be said about their total resistance?
their total combined resistance is equal to the sum of the two individual resistances
Where must a voltmeter be placed in a circuit?
In parallel with the component that is being measured
Give an equation relating potential difference with energy transferred and charge
Potential difference (V) = energy transferred (J) / charge (C)
V= E/Q
A volt can also be described as a…..
Joule per coulomb
What is an electric current?
The rate of flow of charge
State the equation linking charge, current and time.
Q = I x t
Charge (C) = Current (Amperes) x Time (s)
What can be said about the value of current at any point in a single closed loop?
Current is the same at all points in the closed loop
what two factors does the current in a circuit depend on?
1) Potential difference (V)
2) Resistance (R)
What is the equation for potential difference, involving current and resistance?
Potential difference (V) = Current (Amperes) x Resistance (ohms)
V= IxR
What is an ammeter and where must it be connected in a circuit?
An ammeter measures current. It is placed in series with the component it is required to measure.
What happens when current reaches a junction in a circuit?
Current is conserved; the total current remains the same and is split between the two branches
