Series and Parallel Circuits

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a series circuit?

  • It contains multiple voltage sources.
  • It has no branches, and the entire current flows through the whole circuit. (correct)
  • The current is different at different points in the loop.
  • It has branches that split the current.

What unit is used to measure current?

  • Ohms
  • Watts
  • Amps (correct)
  • Volts

What is the function of resistance in a circuit?

  • To store electrical energy.
  • To counteract the current. (correct)
  • To maintain constant voltage.
  • To increase the current flow.

In what unit is voltage measured?

<p>Volts (A)</p>
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Which of the following is an example of a series circuit application?

<p>Thermostat (B)</p>
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In a series circuit, how are devices connected?

<p>One after another along a single path. (A)</p>
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What happens to the current in a series circuit?

<p>It remains the same throughout the entire circuit. (A)</p>
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What defines an open circuit?

<p>A circuit that does not form a complete loop. (B)</p>
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What is the current in an open circuit?

<p>Zero (B)</p>
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Why does a light bulb turn off when the switch is flipped 'off'?

<p>The circuit becomes an open circuit. (C)</p>
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What formula represents Ohm's Law?

<p>$I = E / R$ (D)</p>
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In a series circuit, if the current is 5 amps, what is the current through each resistor?

<p>5 amps (D)</p>
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What is the rule for calculating total resistance in a series circuit?

<p>The total resistance is the sum of the resistance in individual resistors. (B)</p>
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What is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance?

<p>Voltage is calculated by multiplying current and resistance. (A)</p>
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How is total voltage calculated in a series circuit?

<p>By adding the voltage drop across each resistor. (D)</p>
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Flashcards

Series Circuit

A circuit with no branches, where the entire current flows through without splitting.

Current

The stream of electrons, measuring how many charges move through a wire per second.

Resistance

A force that opposes the current, converting electrical energy into other forms, like heat or light.

Voltage

The energy needed to move an electrical charge between two points.

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Parallel Circuit

A circuit that splits into individual branches.

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Open Circuit

A circuit with a break, preventing current flow (current = 0).

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Closed Circuit

A complete circuit where current can flow continuously.

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Ohm's Law

I = E/R. Relates voltage (E), current (I), and resistance (R).

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Current in Series Circuits

The current remains constant throughout the entire circuit.

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Total Resistance in Series

The sum of individual resistances equals the total resistance.

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Voltage in Series Circuits

Voltage in each resistor is calculated using Ohm's Law (V = IR). Total voltage is the sum of voltage drops across each resistor.

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Study Notes

  • A circuit is a closed path that allows electrons to flow, creating electricity.
  • Series and parallel are two main types of circuits.

Series Circuits

  • A series circuit has no branches, providing a single path for current flow.
  • The current remains constant throughout the entire series circuit.
  • Series circuits are found in thermostats, water heaters, refrigerators, and light switches.

Parallel Circuits

  • A parallel circuit has branches, allowing the current to split into multiple paths.
  • Car headlights are wired in parallel so that if one fails, the other continues to function.
  • Series circuits have devices connected one after another, whereas parallel circuits have devices connected along branches.

Circuit Wiring

  • In series circuits, wiring can be stretched into a single line with each device lined up.
  • Constant, steady electron flow/current occurs due to this wiring.
  • In parallel circuits, wiring splits into individual branches for each device (resistor), splitting the electron flow.
  • "Series" explains that the devices are lined up one after the other, while "parallel" explains that the devices are lined up parallel to each other.

Open vs. Closed Circuits

  • An open circuit has a break, and the current cannot flow (current = 0).
  • A closed circuit forms a complete loop, allowing current to flow.
  • An open circuit has infinite resistance and is considered "off".
  • A closed circuit has non-infinite resistance and is considered "on".
  • Turning off a light switch creates an open circuit, while turning it on creates a closed circuit.

Ohm's Law

  • Used to calculate current, resistance, and voltage in a circuit.

  • The formula is:

    (I = current, E = voltage, R = resistance).

  • Can be rearranged to solve for any variable:

,

,

.

Resistance in Series Circuits

  • The current is the same throughout the entire series circuit.
  • Total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of individual resistances:

Voltage in Series Circuits

  • Voltage in each resistor and the total voltage can be calculated using Ohm's law (Voltage = Current x Resistance).
  • Total voltage is equal to the sum of the voltage drops across each resistor.

Series Circuit Examples

  • Tables are useful for organizing voltage, current, and resistance calculations.
  • Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances.
  • Current is derived from total voltage divided by total resistance
  • Voltage drop across each resistor can be calculated using Ohm's law.

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