Lecture Notes on Circuits and DC Instruments

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to circuits and DC instruments.

Series Circuit

A circuit in which the current must flow through devices sequentially.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit configuration where the current splits and the voltage across each component is the same.

Total Resistance in Series

The sum of individual resistances in a series circuit, given by R_total = R1 + R2 + R3.

Total Resistance in Parallel

Calculated using the formula 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 for resistors in parallel.

Electromotive Force (emf)

The potential difference generated by a voltage source, represented as ε.

Internal Resistance

The resistance within a power source that affects the terminal voltage when current flows.

Kirchhoff’s First Rule (Junction Rule)

States that the sum of currents entering a junction equals the sum of currents leaving that junction.

Kirchhoff’s Second Rule (Loop Rule)

The sum of potential differences around any closed circuit loop must be zero.

Charging Capacitor

The process where a capacitor gathers charge and voltage increases over time until it reaches the source voltage.

Discharging Capacitor

The release of stored charge in a capacitor, causing current to flow until the capacitor is depleted.