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Questions and Answers
What best describes a series circuit?
What best describes a series circuit?
- Multiple paths for current flow with shared voltage.
- Continuous flow through a single path with components linked end-to-end. (correct)
- Each component can operate independently.
- The total resistance is less than individual resistances.
What happens to the entire circuit if one component breaks in a series circuit?
What happens to the entire circuit if one component breaks in a series circuit?
- The entire circuit stops working. (correct)
- The circuit continues to operate.
- The current flow increases in the remaining components.
- Only the broken component ceases to function.
How is the total resistance calculated in a parallel circuit?
How is the total resistance calculated in a parallel circuit?
- It is the average of the individual resistances.
- It is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the resistances. (correct)
- It equals the smallest resistance of any individual resistor.
- It is the sum of all the individual resistances.
In a parallel circuit, what occurs when one component fails?
In a parallel circuit, what occurs when one component fails?
What is the voltage drop across components in a series circuit?
What is the voltage drop across components in a series circuit?
Which statement is true regarding alternating current (AC)?
Which statement is true regarding alternating current (AC)?
What is the relationship between total current and individual branch currents in a parallel circuit?
What is the relationship between total current and individual branch currents in a parallel circuit?
Which symbol represents resistance in an electrical circuit?
Which symbol represents resistance in an electrical circuit?
Flashcards
Series circuit
Series circuit
A circuit where all components are connected end-to-end in a line, allowing only one path for current flow.
Parallel circuit
Parallel circuit
A circuit with multiple paths for current flow, where components are connected across each other's leads. The voltage is the same across all components.
Voltage drop
Voltage drop
The decrease in voltage that occurs across a component in an electric circuit due to the resistance of the component.
Total resistance (series)
Total resistance (series)
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Total resistance (parallel)
Total resistance (parallel)
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Direct current (DC)
Direct current (DC)
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Alternating current (AC)
Alternating current (AC)
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Resistance
Resistance
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Study Notes
Electricity: Series and Parallel Circuits
- Series Circuit: Current flows through a single path. Components are connected end-to-end. Failure of one component stops the entire circuit.
- Parallel Circuit: Current flows through multiple paths. Components are connected across each other. Failure of one component does not affect the others.
Differences
| Feature | Series Circuit | Parallel Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Current flow | Single path | Multiple paths |
| Voltage | Divided among components | Same across all components |
| Resistance | Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances (RT = R1 + R2 + R3) | Total resistance is less than the smallest resistance (1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3) |
| Failure effect | Failure of one component stops the circuit | Failure of one component doesn't affect others |
Electrical Quantities
- Voltage (V): Electrical pressure, measured in Volts (V).
- Resistance (R): Opposition to current flow, measured in Ohms (Ω).
- Current (I): Flow of electric charge, measured in Amperes (A).
- Total Resistance (Series): Sum of individual resistances (RT = R1 + R2...).
- Total Resistance (Parallel): Reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of individual resistances (1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2...).
Voltage Drop
- Series Circuit: Voltage drops across each resistor in the circuit. Sum of individual voltage drops equals the total voltage (VT = V1 + V2...).
- Parallel Circuit: Voltage remains constant across all branches. Same voltage across each component (VT = V1 = V2 = V3...).
Current Flow
- Series Circuit: Same current flows through all components (IT = I1 = I2 = I3...).
- Parallel Circuit: Total current is the sum of the individual branch currents (IT = I1 + I2 + I3...).
Ohm's Law
- Voltage (V) equals current (I) multiplied by resistance (R).
- Equation: V = IR
- Or, current (I) equals voltage (V) divided by resistance (R).
- Equation: I = V/R
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