P2 - Current In Series Circuits

What is an electric current?

A flow of electric charge around a circuit

What is the unit of electric current?

Ampere (A)

What symbol represents an ampere?

Capital A

What do electrons carry in a circuit?

Energy from the cell to components

Which direction do electrons actually flow?

From the negative end of the cell to the positive end

Which direction is conventional current shown as?

From the positive end to the negative end of the cell

Why do we use conventional current if it's incorrect?

It's a historical convention still used in diagrams and exams

What is a series circuit?

A circuit with no branches where current flows in only one path

What happens when you close the switch in a series circuit?

Electrons start to flow and current begins

What happens to the energy of electrons as they move through the circuit?

They transfer energy to components like lamps

What kind of energy is transferred in a lamp?

Electrical energy is transferred to light and thermal energy

What do scientists call the parts like lamps and cells in a circuit?

Components

What is the current like at different points in a series circuit?

The current is the same all the way around

Is current used up in a series circuit?

No, current is never used up

What tool is used to measure current?

Ammeter

What is the symbol for an ammeter?

A circle with a capital A inside

Where is an ammeter placed in a circuit?

In series with the component you want to measure

What is the current reading if one ammeter shows 0.1A in a series circuit?

All ammeters in the circuit will also show 0.1A

What does a cell symbol look like?

One long line and one short line

What does a lamp symbol look like?

A circle with a cross inside

What does an open switch symbol look like?

A break in the line with a diagonal line not touching

What does a closed switch symbol look like?

A line with a diagonal line connecting both sides

What do wires look like in a circuit diagram?

Straight lines connecting components

Why is it important to learn circuit symbols?

They are used in diagrams and exam questions to represent components

Why do electrons flow from negative to positive?

Because electrons are negatively charged and are repelled by the negative terminal

What is the definition of a component?

A part of an electric circuit, such as a cell, lamp, or switch

Why do electrons carry less energy when they return to the cell?

Because they have transferred energy to components in the circuit