Components in Series & Parallel Circuits 10.2

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding components in series and parallel circuits, their behaviors, and how to measure resistance, current, and voltage.

What happens to total resistance when resistors are connected in series?

The total resistance is equal to the sum of their individual resistances.

What is the formula to calculate total resistance in series for three resistors R1, R2, and R3?

R_total = R1 + R2 + R3.

How does the total voltage behave in a series circuit?

The total voltage is the sum of the voltages across each of the individual resistors.

What is the effect on total resistance when resistors are connected in parallel?

The total resistance decreases.

How does a parallel circuit provide advantages over a series circuit?

Components can be individually controlled and if one fails, the others continue to function.

In a series circuit, how does current behave throughout the circuit?

The current is the same at all points.

In a parallel circuit, how does current behave at junctions?

The current splits at junctions, going different paths.

What is the relationship between current and potential difference for a fixed resistor?

Current is directly proportional to potential difference.

What occurs to the resistance of a filament lamp as temperature increases?

The resistance increases.

Identify two disadvantages of series circuits.

If one component fails, all components stop working; components cannot be controlled separately.

What phenomenon occurs in a diode under reverse bias?

The diode has very high resistance and no current flows.

Explain the behavior of an LDR in different light intensities.

Resistance decreases as light intensity increases.

What is a thermistor's behavior regarding temperature?

Resistance decreases as temperature increases.

What should be included in circuit diagrams when measuring current, voltage, and resistance?

Include ammeter in series, voltmeter in parallel, and components with appropriate symbols.

What relationship is shown in an I-V graph if the graph is straight and goes through the origin for a fixed resistor?

Current is directly proportional to voltage.

What does a curved I-V graph indicate for a filament lamp?

Current is not directly proportional to voltage.

What is a systematic error that could occur during resistance measurement?

Starting from zero on voltmeter and ammeter readings to avoid zero error.

How can high current and thin wires be dangerous in a circuit?

They can become very hot, posing a burn risk.

What should you do immediately if you smell burning from the circuit components?

Turn off the power supply right away.

How is the current and voltage measured in an experiment set up to test the variation of resistance?

Using ammeter for current and voltmeter for voltage across the component being tested.