VOCAB 1
Do series circuits have the same current throughout the circuit?
Yes
What is the equation for Voltage difference and what is it measured in?
Volts (V).
V=IR
What is the equation and units for resistance?
Ohms (Ω)
R=V/I
What 4 factors is resistance affected by?
1) Material
2) Wire Size
3) Wire Length
4) Wire Temperature
Do parallel circuits have the same current among the circuit?
No, current is split between each pathway.
How do you calculate the total resistance of a series circuit?
Add up all the resistances to find the total resistance.
What is a series circuit? Provide a thorough description and include an example.
A series circuit has only one path for current to travel. All components must be working at the same time. More items increase the resistance. Ex: holiday lights, flashlights.
What is the equation and units for current?
Amperes (Amps)
I=V/R
What does a fuse do?
A fuse is a piece of metal within the circuit that melts when overheated to open the circuit and prevent current from flowing.
When does overheating occur?
When too much voltage is applied to a circuit that can't handle it.
What is resistance?
The tendency of a material to oppose the flow of electrons through it. Measured in Ohms (Ω).
What does a circuit breaker do?
A circuit breaker is a piece of metal that bends when overheated and opens the circuit to prevennt current from flowing.
What is a parallel circuit? Provide a thorough explanation and give an example.
A circuit with multiple paths for current to travel through. It is more complex and can use one component at a time. More items decrease the resistance. Ex: houses, schools.
What does Ohm's Law state?
The amount of current is directly proportional to the amount of voltage difference. The higher the voltage, the higher the current. The lower the resistance, the higher the current.
Find a common denominator, add them up, then cross multiply and solve.
OR
Add all resistances with an exponent of -1, then add a -1 exponent to the answer to find the total resistance.