Althea science notes

What is a parallel circuit?

A closed pathway that has several different paths for electrons to travel in order to return to the battery.

What is a junction point in a circuit?

Where a circuit divides into multiple paths or where multiple paths join.

What happens to current at a junction point?

The total current entering a junction point must equal the sum of current leaving (I_total = I_1 + I_2 + I_3).

How does resistance affect current in a parallel circuit?

The amount of current through each pathway is dependent on the resistance of the path; more current will travel through a path of lower resistance.

What does the power of electricity represent?

Power is the rate of change in energy, or the rate at which work is done or energy is transformed.

What is the unit of measuring power?

Watts (W), where 1 W = 1 J/sec.

What is electrical power?

The rate at which electrical energy is used by a load, calculated as power (P) = voltage (V) × current (I).

What is a phantom load?

The electrical energy a device uses when it is turned off; for example, in standby mode.

What occurs when a resistor is placed in parallel with another resistor?

It creates another pathway, which decreases the local resistance.