Circuits: Current, Cells and Diagrams

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Questions and Answers

If a circuit is constructed with a power supply providing a constant voltage, and then a second identical lamp is added in series with the first, how is the current in the circuit affected, and why?

  • The current remains the same because the voltage of the power supply is constant and unaffected by additional components.
  • The current doubles because the voltage is shared equally between the two lamps, increasing the electron flow.
  • The current decreases because the additional lamp increases the total resistance of the circuit, impeding the electron flow. (correct)
  • The current increases slightly due to the additive effect of electron emission from both lamps.

In a complex circuit with multiple branches and components, what principle dictates the overall flow of current from the negative to the positive terminal of the power source?

  • The current distributes equally through all available paths, ensuring each component receives an equal share of the total.
  • The current will always preferentially flow through the path of least resistance, dividing inversely proportionally among parallel branches. (correct)
  • The current only flows through the primary branch, thereby ensuring all subsequent secondary branches remain unenergized.
  • The current is determined solely by the voltage of the power source, irrespective of the resistance in the circuit.

If a circuit is designed such that an ammeter is accidentally connected in parallel with a high-value resistor, what is the likely outcome and why?

  • The circuit will function normally, with the ammeter displaying the total current supplied by the power source.
  • The ammeter will explode due to the excessive current flowing through it, as it offers a very low resistance path. (correct)
  • The ammeter will display a very low current reading, as most of the current will flow through the high-value resistor.
  • The ammeter will measure the correct current through the resistor without any adverse effects.

Imagine a circuit with a variable resistor (rheostat) connected in series with a lamp. If the resistance of the rheostat is gradually increased, how does this affect the brightness of the lamp, and why?

<p>The lamp's brightness decreases because the increased resistance reduces the current flowing through the circuit. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental reason for using standardized circuit symbols in electrical diagrams, and how does this standardization aid in circuit design and troubleshooting?

<p>Standardized symbols ensure universal understanding and reduce ambiguity, facilitating communication and accurate interpretation across different designers and technicians. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of electron flow within a metallic conductor in a circuit, what distinguishes electron movement when the circuit is open versus when the circuit is closed, and how does this difference influence current?

<p>When the circuit is open, electrons move randomly; when closed, they exhibit a net directional movement towards the positive terminal, creating current. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a power supply's positive terminal is mistakenly connected to the negative terminal on an ammeter. What is the expected effect on the ammeter's reading, and what potential harm might it cause?

<p>The ammeter will display a negative current reading, and this reverse polarity can damage the meter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a circuit with multiple resistors connected in both series and parallel, how does the overall resistance affect the total current supplied by the power source, and how is this current distributed among the parallel branches?

<p>The overall resistance directly determines the total current, and the current distributes unevenly among parallel branches, favoring paths with lower resistance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a circuit is constructed with a switch, a power supply, and a lamp, and the switch is initially closed, what happens to the electron flow and the lamp's state when the switch is opened, and why?

<p>Opening the switch stops the electron flow, and the lamp turns off because the circuit is no longer complete. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing the voltage supplied by a power source fundamentally affect the behavior of electrons within a metallic conductor in a closed circuit, and what is the resulting impact on the current?

<p>Increasing voltage accelerates the directional movement of electrons through the conductor, leading to an increase in current. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Current

The movement of electrons around a circuit.

Circuit Diagram

A diagram using standard symbols to represent an electrical circuit.

Ammeter

A device that measures electric current in Amperes (A). It's connected in series.

Series Circuit

Components connected one after another in a single path, without any branches.

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Electrical Cell

A device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy, providing a voltage in a circuit.

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Terminals

Points where electrical connections are made. Cells, batteries and other components have two.

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Amps (Amperes)

The units to measure current

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Study Notes

  • A cell stores chemical energy, convertible to electrical energy in a circuit.
  • Cells have two terminals for connections.
  • All cells, batteries, power supplies and other components possess two terminals.
  • Terminals are labeled with + (positive) and - (negative) symbols.
  • Current is the flow of electrons within a circuit.
  • A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is positioned between the Sun and the Earth.
  • A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
  • Current within a circuit involves the movement of electrons.
  • Some electrons in a metal can move freely through it.
  • Electrons in a metal move randomly, but align in the same direction in a circuit.
  • Electrons are negatively charged and move toward the positive terminal in a circuit.
  • Electrons are attracted to the positive terminal and repelled by the negative terminal of a power supply.
  • If there is a break in the circuit, electron flow will cease.

Circuit Diagrams

  • Circuits can be represented by drawings or circuit diagrams.
  • Circuit diagrams are easier to draw than pictorial representations.
  • Circuit diagrams use standard symbols for components.
  • Wires are represented by straight lines in diagrams.

Circuit Symbols

  • Standard circuit symbols are used in circuit diagrams to ensure clarity.
  • In a cell's circuit symbol, the positive terminal is represented by the longer line and the negative by the shorter line.
  • There should be no gaps in the lines of a circuit diagram, especially at corners or component connections.
  • Wires should not be drawn through components.

Comparing Circuit Diagrams

  • Different circuits perform different functions.
  • A circuit containing a cell, switch, and buzzer can be used as a doorbell.
  • Pushing the switch outside the door activates the buzzer to attract attention.

Measuring Current

  • A circuit containing a cell, switch, lamp, and ammeter can be used to light a room and measure current flow.
  • An ammeter measures electric current.
  • Current increases when electrons move more quickly.
  • Current decreases when electrons move more slowly.
  • Ammeters measure current in units called amps (amperes), symbolized as A.
  • The red terminal of an ammeter must connect to the positive terminal of the power supply.
  • Ammeters are connected in series with other components.
  • In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end without branches.

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