Physics 2B: Electric Circuits and Resistors

Flashcards for Physics 2B Lecture 16

Resistance

Opposition to the flow of electric current.

Resistors

Components in a circuit that impede the flow of current.

Series Circuit

Circuit configuration where components are connected end-to-end, so the same current flows through each.

Parallel Circuit

Circuit configuration where components are connected side by side, so the voltage is the same across each.

Kirchhoff's Loop Law

Statement that the voltage drops around any closed loop in a circuit must sum to zero.

Kirchhoff’s Junction Law

Statement that the current entering a junction must equal the current leaving it.

Current

The rate of flow of electric charge.

Voltage

Electrical potential difference.

Light Bulb Brightness

A light bulb connected to a battery, with brightness determined by power.

Equivalent Resistance (Series)

Equivalent resistance for resistors in series is R_eq = R1 + R2 + ….

Equivalent Resistance (Parallel)

1/ (Req) = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + …

Power Equation

Power = Voltage * Current

Ohm's Law

Voltage = Current * Resistance

Power

The rate at which energy is transferred or used.