Series and Parallel Circuits Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the characteristics, formulas, and symbols related to series and parallel circuits as described in the lecture notes.

Series Circuit

A circuit where components are connected one after another and there is only one path for the current to flow.

Series Circuit Failure

A condition where if one bulb stops working, all the other bulbs in the circuit also stop working.

Total Current (Series)

The current is equally divided to the number of bulbs and is calculated as $I_{\text{total}} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + \dots$

Total Voltage (Series)

The sum of all individual voltages, expressed as $V_{\text{total}} = V_1 = V_2 = V_3 + \dots$

Total Resistance (Series)

The sum of all resistors on the circuit, expressed as $R_{\text{total}} = R_1 = R_2 + R_3 + \dots$

Parallel Circuit

A circuit where components are connected across the same two points, providing multiple paths for the current.

Parallel Circuit Failure

A condition where if one bulb stops working, all the other bulbs in the circuit will keep on working.

Total Current (Parallel)

Calculated using the formula $I_{\text{total}} = I_1 = I_2 - I_3 + \dots$

Total Voltage (Parallel)

Calculated using the formula $V_{\text{total}} = V_1 = V_2 = V_3 - \dots$

Total Resistance (Parallel)

Calculated for two components using the formula $\frac{R_1 \times R_2}{R_1 + R_2}$

DC Cell

A circuit component that provides direct current power.

Resistor

A component used to provide resistance in a circuit, represented by a zigzag symbol.

Capacitor

A circuit component represented by two parallel lines in a diagram.

LED

Light Emitting Diode; a common electronic component used in circuits.

Diode

A semiconductor device that typically allows current to flow in one direction.

Ground

An electrical connection to the earth or a zero-potential reference point.

SPST Switch

Single Pole Single Throw switch; a simple on-off switch component.