16 Questions
What is true about the current in a series circuit?
The current at every point is the same.
What is the total p.d. across the components in a series circuit equal to?
The sum of the individual p.d.s across each component.
What is true about the currents at a junction in a parallel circuit?
The sum of the currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of the currents leaving the junction.
What is the equation to calculate the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel?
1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2
What is the function of a light-dependent resistor?
It decreases resistance in bright light.
What is the equation for two resistors used as a potential divider?
V1/V2 = R1/R2
What is an NTC thermistor?
A resistor that decreases in resistance with temperature.
What is the function of a variable potential divider?
It divides a voltage source into two or more parts.
What is a key characteristic of a series circuit?
The total p.d. across the components is equal to the sum of the individual p.d.s across each component.
What is the purpose of using an NTC thermistor in a circuit?
To act as an input sensor to detect changes in temperature
What is the relationship between the current and voltage in a circuit with a variable potential divider?
The voltage is dependent on the ratio of the resistances
What happens to the total resistance of a circuit when two resistors are connected in series?
The total resistance increases
What is the function of a light-dependent resistor in a circuit?
To act as an input sensor to detect changes in light intensity
What is the equation to calculate the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series?
R_total = R1 + R2 + ... + Rn
What is the purpose of using a parallel circuit in a device?
To provide multiple paths for the current to flow
What happens to the voltage across each component in a parallel circuit?
The voltage across each component is the same as the voltage of the main circuit
Study Notes
Electric Circuits
- In a series circuit, the current is the same at every point.
- In a parallel circuit, the sum of currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
- In a series circuit, the total p.d. across the components is equal to the sum of individual p.d.s across each component.
- In a parallel circuit, the p.d. across an arrangement of parallel resistances is the same as the p.d. across one branch.
Calculations in Electric Circuits
- The combined resistance of two or more resistors in series can be calculated.
- The combined resistance of two resistors in parallel can be calculated.
- Current, voltage, and resistance can be calculated in parts of a circuit or in the whole circuit.
Circuit Components
- NTC thermistors have a negative temperature coefficient, meaning their resistance decreases with increasing temperature.
- Light-dependent resistors change their resistance in response to changes in light intensity.
- NTC thermistors and light-dependent resistors are used as input sensors.
- A variable potential divider is a circuit component that produces a variable output voltage.
- The equation for two resistors used as a potential divider is: V1 / V2 = R1 / R2.
Electric Circuits
- In a series circuit, the current is the same at every point.
- In a parallel circuit, the sum of currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.
- In a series circuit, the total p.d. across the components is equal to the sum of individual p.d.s across each component.
- In a parallel circuit, the p.d. across an arrangement of parallel resistances is the same as the p.d. across one branch.
Calculations in Electric Circuits
- The combined resistance of two or more resistors in series can be calculated.
- The combined resistance of two resistors in parallel can be calculated.
- Current, voltage, and resistance can be calculated in parts of a circuit or in the whole circuit.
Circuit Components
- NTC thermistors have a negative temperature coefficient, meaning their resistance decreases with increasing temperature.
- Light-dependent resistors change their resistance in response to changes in light intensity.
- NTC thermistors and light-dependent resistors are used as input sensors.
- A variable potential divider is a circuit component that produces a variable output voltage.
- The equation for two resistors used as a potential divider is: V1 / V2 = R1 / R2.
Practice questions on Electric Circuits, focusing on series and parallel circuits, including calculations and current relationships. Based on the 2023-2025 Cambridge O Level Physics syllabus.
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