defenitions of components

Cell / battery

Provides the circuit with a source of potential difference. A battery is two or more cells

Switch

Turn the circuit on (closed), or off (open)

Fixed resistor

A resistor limits the flow of current. A fixed resistor has a resistance it cannot change

Variable resistor

A resistor with a slider that can be used to change its resistance. These are often used in dimmer switches and volume controls

Thermistor

The resistance of a thermistor depends on its temperature. As its temperature increases, its resistance decreases and vice versa

Light-dependent resistor (LDR)

The resistance of an LDR depends on the light intensity. As the light intensity increases, its resistance decreases and vice versa

Fuse

A safety device designed to cut off the flow of electricity to an appliance if the current becomes too large (due to a fault or a surge) by melting the fuse wire and therefore breaking the circuit

Ammeter

Used to measure the current in a circuit. Connected in series with other components

Voltmeter

Used to measure the potential difference of an electrical component. Connected in parallel with the relevant component

What kind of series is a ammeter connected in

Series

How is the voltmeter connected

in parallel to the component the voltage is being measured

What is the direction of current flow

From positive to negative terminal