Circuit Analysis Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key circuit analysis concepts from the lecture notes, including Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, series/parallel circuits, dividers, power, and essential lab tools.

Ohm's Law

V = I × R; the relationship among voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in a circuit.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

In any closed loop, the sum of all voltages (rises and drops) equals zero.

Kirchhoff's Current Law

The sum of currents entering a node equals the sum leaving; net current at a node is zero.

Series Circuit

Components carry the same current; the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.

Parallel Circuit

Components share the same voltage; currents split among branches according to resistance; total current is the sum of branch currents.

Voltage Divider

In a series network, the voltage across a component is proportional to its resistance: Vx = Vsource × (Rx / Rtotal).

Current Divider

In a parallel network, current through a branch is inversely proportional to its resistance; Ix = V / Rx (with V common across the parallel network).

Equivalent Resistance (Series)

R_eq = R1 + R2 + …

Equivalent Resistance (Parallel)

1/R_eq = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + …

Voltage Drop

The loss in potential across a component as current flows; for a resistor, V = I × R.

Power (P = V × I)

Power is the rate of energy transfer; P = V × I.

Power in a Resistor (P = I^2 × R)

Power dissipated as heat in a resistor; P = I^2 × R.

Positive vs Negative Power

Positive power means the element absorbs energy; negative power means the element delivers energy.

Breadboard

A prototyping board with interconnected holes for building circuits without soldering.

Multimeter

A device used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in circuits.

Ground/Reference

The zero-volt reference point used as a common return path in circuits.

Voltage Source

A component that provides a fixed potential difference to drive current.

Current

I, the rate of flow of electric charge; measured in amperes (A).