All Flashcards

What is a closed circuit?

A circuit with a complete path allowing charge to flow continuously.

What is an open circuit?

A circuit with a broken path, preventing charge flow.

What is a short circuit?

A circuit where charge flows with no change in potential difference, bypassing the intended path; this can be dangerous.

Define equivalent resistance.

The total resistance of a circuit or a combination of resistors.

What is capacitance (C)?

The ability of a capacitor to store charge, measured in farads (F).

Define the time constant (τ) in an RC circuit.

The time it takes for a capacitor to charge to approximately 63% of its maximum charge or discharge to approximately 37% of its initial charge; given by $\tau = RC$ .

What are the key differences between resistors in series and parallel?

Series: Single path, current is constant, voltage divides, $R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + ...$ | Parallel: Multiple paths, voltage is constant, current divides, $\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + ...$

What are the key differences between capacitors in series and parallel?

Series: Charge is constant, voltage divides, $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$ | Parallel: Voltage is constant, charge divides, $C_{eq} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$

Compare and contrast the behavior of current in a series vs. parallel circuit.

Series: Current is the same through all components. | Parallel: Current divides among the different branches.

Compare and contrast the behavior of voltage in a series vs. parallel circuit.

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

Compare and contrast the energy stored in a capacitor and a resistor.

Capacitor: Stores electrical energy. | Resistor: Dissipates electrical energy as heat.

Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.

Initially, current is maximum. 2. As the capacitor charges, current decreases exponentially. 3. Charge on capacitor increases until it reaches its maximum value.

Describe the process of discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit.

Initially, current is maximum (opposite direction). 2. As the capacitor discharges, current decreases exponentially. 3. Charge on capacitor decreases until it reaches zero.

How to find the equivalent resistance of resistors in series?

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

How to find the equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel?

Calculate the reciprocal of the total resistance by summing the reciprocals of individual resistances: $\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + ...$

How to find the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in series?

Calculate the reciprocal of the total capacitance by summing the reciprocals of individual capacitances: $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$

How to find the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in parallel?

Add the individual capacitances: $C_{eq} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$