Electrical Circuits

Flashcards about electrical circuits and related concepts.

Electrical Circuit Requirements

Requires a source of energy, conductors, and a closed circuit for current to flow.

Closed Circuit

Allows electric current to flow due to no gaps or spaces.

Open Circuit

Prevents electric current flow due to gaps or spaces.

Series Circuit

Only one path for current to flow; current is the same at all points; total potential difference is divided.

Parallel Circuit

More than one path for current to flow; potential difference is the same across components; total current is divided.

Potential Difference (Voltage)

Energy transferred per unit electric charge flowing through a conductor.

EMF (Electromotive Force)

Work done per unit charge by a source (battery).

Terminal Potential Difference

Voltage measured across the terminals of a battery when charges are flowing.

Current Strength

The rate of flow of charge, measured in Amperes (A).

One Coulomb

Charge transferred in a conductor in one second when the current is one ampere.

Resistance

The ratio of potential difference across a resistor to the current in the resistor; opposition to the flow of electric charge.

Resistor

Component that resists the flow of charge in a circuit, converting electrical energy into other forms.

Ohm's Law

Resistance is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, provided temperature remains constant.

Cells (Batteries)

Convert chemical potential energy into electrical energy using a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte.