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 .
How do you calculate the equivalent resistance of resistors in series?
Add the individual resistances: .
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: .
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 .
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 .
Define 'closed circuit'.
A circuit with a complete path, allowing charge to flow continuously.
Define 'open circuit'.
A circuit with a broken path, preventing charge from flowing.
Define 'short circuit'.
A circuit where charge flows with no change in potential difference, bypassing the intended path.
Define 'resistance'.
The opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit, measured in ohms (Ω).
Define 'capacitance'.
The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge, measured in farads (F).
Define '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 37% of its initial charge), given by τ = RC.