Electrical Circuits

14 flashcards · Physics · by Logan Pollack

1. Conditions necessary for an electric ciruit

   A closed circuit (no breaks) Potential Difference/Voltage - object which does work on electrons

2. Series Circuit

   Only one path for the electrons to flow through Current is the same throughout

3. Parallel Circuit

   Multiple pathways for electrons to flow Voltage/Potential Difference is the same throughout

4. Current (I)

   The rate at which electrons flow

5. Resistor (two inputs) A measurement of the opposition to the flow of electrons

6. Variable Resistor A variable a resistor is able to alter it's resistance

7. Cell Cells provide a potential difference Potential difference is required to make a circuit opperate

8. Battery Batteries provide potential difference A battery is made up of multiple cells

9. Voltmeter Measures voltage (has high resistance) Must be placed parallel to battery or resistor

10. Ammeter Measures current Must be placed in series in the circuit

11. Switch A device for completing the connections in an electric circuit Must be closed for electrons to flow in series circuits

12. Lamp Type of resistor Brightness is determined by current

13. Ohms Law

    The resistance in a circuit is the ratio of potential difference applied to the current that flows through it

14. Req = Rtotal = ...............

    total/equivalent resistance Req replaces the other resistors The more resistors, the greater the resistance