ECOR1032: Circuits Lecture 2 Ohms KVL KCL

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help review key concepts related to circuits, Ohm's law, and Kirchhoff's laws in the ECOR1032: Circuits & Mechatronics lecture.

Ohm's Law

The voltage across a resistance is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.

Resistance (R)

The ability of an element to resist the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω).

Resistor

An element that has resistance and is used to limit the flow of electric current in a circuit.

Variable Resistor

A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted.

Short-Circuit

A circuit with very low resistance that causes current to flow along an unintended path.

Open-Circuit

A circuit path that is broken, preventing current from flowing.

Power (P)

The rate at which energy is transferred or converted, given by the equations P = VI, P = I^2 R, or P = V^2 / R.

Node (n)

A point of connection between two or more branches in a circuit.

Branch (b)

A single element such as a voltage source or a resistor within a circuit.

Loop (l)

A closed path in a circuit that never goes twice over a node.

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

The principle that the algebraic sum of currents entering or leaving a node is zero.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

The algebraic sum of voltages around any closed loop in a circuit is zero.

Current (i)

The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A).

Voltage (v)

The electric potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V).

Ohmic Device

A device that follows Ohm's law, meaning its current is directly proportional to voltage.

Independent Loop

A loop that contains at least one branch not part of any other independent loop.

Polarity

The direction of voltage in a circuit, indicating positive and negative charges.