310102d Series Resistive Circuits 2017 (TF)

Series Circuit

A circuit that has only one path for current to flow.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law

The principle stating that the total applied voltage in a closed circuit equals the sum of the voltage drops.

Total Resistance (RT)

The sum of all resistances in a series circuit, expressed as RT = R1 + R2 + R3.

Direct Proportion

A relationship where an increase in one quantity results in a proportional increase in another quantity.

Voltage Divider Rule

A formula used to calculate voltage drops across each resistor in a series circuit.

Current (I)

The flow of electric charge; constant in a series circuit for all components.

Voltage Source

An element in a circuit that provides the electrical potential (voltage).

Resistive Circuit

A circuit with components that resist the flow of current.

Ratio

A relationship between two numbers indicating how many times one value contains or is contained within the other.

Openness in a Circuit

When a circuit is open, current cannot flow, resulting in no voltage drops across components.

Voltage Drops

The reduction in voltage across a component in a circuit.

Electrical Load

Any device or component in a circuit that consumes electrical power.

Single Path Current Flow

The characterization of a series circuit where there is only one route for current to travel.

Current Junction

A point in a circuit where current can split or combine; governed by Kirchhoff's Current Law.

Ohm's Law

A fundamental relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, expressed as V = IR.

Equivalent Resistance

The total resistance of a circuit that can be substituted in place of all individual resistances.

Closed Circuit

A complete electrical circuit that allows current to flow without interruption.

Open Circuit

A broken circuit where current cannot flow, usually due to a switch being open.

Conductive Path

The medium through which electric current can flow, typically made of conductors.

Applied Voltage (E)

The voltage that is supplied to a circuit from a source.

Voltage Drops across Loads

The reduction of voltage across a resistor or other load in a series circuit.

Proportional Relationships

Mathematical relationships where two quantities increase or decrease in tandem.