Basic Circuit Concepts
What is a circuit?
A closed loop through which electric current flows.
In a series circuit, how is the current distributed among the components?
The current is the same through all components.
In a parallel circuit, how is the voltage distributed across each component?
The voltage is the same across each component.
Which circuit type is most commonly used in household electrical systems?
Parallel circuit.
What is the difference between an open and a closed circuit?
An open circuit means the path is broken, and electricity cannot flow. A closed circuit means the path is complete, allowing electricity to flow.
In a series circuit, how many paths does the current have to travel?
One path.
How is the voltage divided in a series circuit?
The voltage is divided among the components.
How is the current distributed in a parallel circuit?
The current is divided among the branches.
What would happen if you connected light bulbs in series in a Christmas tree light set?
If one bulb burns out, the entire string of lights will go out.
What is a battery used for in a circuit?
To provide power to the circuit.
In a parallel circuit, how many paths does the current have to travel?
Multiple paths.
What is the effect on the total resistance in a series circuit as more resistors are added?
The total resistance increases.
What happens if one component fails in a parallel circuit?
The other components continue to work.
Why is it safer to use parallel circuits in home wiring systems?
Because if one device fails, the others will still work, and the voltage across each device remains constant.
What does a switch do in a circuit?
It opens or closes the circuit.
What happens if one component fails in a series circuit?
The entire circuit stops working.
If two 5-ohm resistors are in series, what is the total resistance?
10 ohms.
What happens to the total resistance in a parallel circuit as more resistors are added?
The total resistance decreases.
How does the total resistance in a parallel circuit affect the power consumption of the circuit?
Lower total resistance allows more current to flow, leading to higher power consumption.
What is a wire used for in a circuit?
To carry electrical current.
What is the total resistance in a series circuit?
The sum of the individual resistances.
In a series circuit with a 12V battery and three resistors (4 ohms, 2 ohms, and 6 ohms), what is the current through the circuit?
1 A
If two resistors, 6 ohms and 3 ohms, are in parallel, what is the total resistance?
2 ohms
What would happen to the brightness of bulbs connected in series if more bulbs are added?
The brightness of each bulb would decrease as more bulbs are added, since the voltage is divided among them.
What is a resistor used for in a circuit?
To limit the flow of current.