All Flashcards

What happens to the current in a series circuit if the resistance increases?

The current decreases (Ohm's Law).

What happens to the total resistance if you add more resistors in series?

The total resistance increases.

What happens to the total resistance if you add more resistors in parallel?

The total resistance decreases.

What happens to the power dissipated by a resistor if the voltage across it increases?

The power increases ( $P = \frac{V^2}{R}$ ).

What happens to the current in a parallel circuit branch if the resistance of that branch increases?

The current in that branch decreases (Ohm's Law).

What are the key differences between series and parallel circuits?

Series: Same current, total resistance is the sum, voltage divides. Parallel: Same voltage, total resistance uses reciprocal, current divides.

Compare voltage in series vs. parallel circuits.

Series: Voltage is divided among components. Parallel: Voltage is the same across all components.

Compare current in series vs. parallel circuits.

Series: Current is the same through all components. Parallel: Current is divided among components.

Compare resistance calculation in series vs. parallel circuits.

Series: $R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 ...$ Parallel: $\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} ...$

How do you calculate total resistance in a series circuit?

Add the individual resistances: $R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 ...$

How do you calculate total resistance in a parallel circuit?

Use the reciprocal formula: $\frac{1}{R_{total}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} ...$

How do you find the total current in a parallel circuit?

Sum the individual currents: $I_{total} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 ...$

How do you find the total voltage in a series circuit?

Sum the individual voltages: $V_{total} = V_1 + V_2 + V_3 ...$

What is Ohm's Law?

$V = IR$