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.

How do you calculate the equivalent resistance of resistors in series?

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

How do you calculate the equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel?

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

How do you calculate the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in series?

Use the reciprocal formula: $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = rac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$ .

How do you calculate the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in parallel?

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

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

Initially, current is maximum; as the capacitor charges, current decreases exponentially; charge on capacitor is $Q(t) = Q_{max}(1 - e^{-t/RC})$ .

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

Initially, current is maximum (opposite direction); as the capacitor discharges, current decreases exponentially; charge on capacitor is $Q(t) = Q_{0}e^{-t/RC}$ .