Series Circuits Flashcards
What is a series circuit?
All components are connected end to end, so the current flows through each component.
What are the characteristics of current in a series circuit?
1) The current is the same t every point in the circuit.
2) If one component breaks or is disconnected, the entire circuit is broken, and current stops.
What are the characteristics of potential difference in a series circuit?
1) The total voltage across the circuit is the sum of all voltages across each component.
2) The voltage is divided between the components. With each component receiving a fraction of the total voltage depending on it’s resistance.
What is the formula to calculate the total voltage across the circuit?
V(total) = V(1) + V(2) + V(3) + …
What is the characteristics of resistance in a series circuit?
1) The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the whole individual resistances of each component.
What is the formula to calculate the total resistance in a series circuit?
R(total) = R(1) + R(2) + R(3) + …
Does Ohm’s Law apply in a series circut?
Yes! Ohm’s Law does apply in a series circuit as it states that the voltage across a component is directly proportional to the current through it, with the resistance as proportionally constant.
What is the formula for potential difference?
V = I X R
Elaborate the use of the formula for potential difference in a series circuit.
1) V is the voltage across a component (V)
2) I is the current through component (A)
3) R is the resistance of each component.
What are the characteristics of using more than one cell in a series circuit?
The potential difference of cells in series is the sum of the potential difference of each cell.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of series circuits?
1) Simple to construct and analyze.
2) If one component fails the whole circuit is broken.
