All Flashcards
How do you calculate equivalent resistance for resistors in series?
Add the individual resistances:
How do you calculate equivalent resistance for resistors in parallel?
Use the reciprocal sum formula:
How do you calculate the terminal voltage of a real battery?
Subtract the voltage drop across the internal resistance from the emf:
What is equivalent resistance?
The total resistance of a group of resistors, treated as a single resistor.
Define electromotive force (emf).
The potential difference across a battery's terminals when no current is flowing; the ideal voltage of the battery.
What is an ideal battery?
A battery that provides a constant voltage regardless of the current and has zero internal resistance.
Define internal resistance (r).
The resistance within a real battery that impacts the voltage it delivers.
What is an ideal ammeter?
An ammeter with zero resistance that doesn't affect the current in the circuit.
What is an ideal voltmeter?
A voltmeter with infinite resistance that doesn't draw any current from the circuit.
What is the effect of adding more resistors in parallel to a circuit?
It decreases the overall equivalent resistance.
What is the effect of internal resistance on a battery's terminal voltage?
It reduces the terminal voltage when current is flowing.
What happens if an ammeter with internal resistance is used in a circuit?
The measured current will be lower than the actual current.
What happens if a voltmeter with finite resistance is used in a circuit?
The measured voltage will be lower than the actual voltage.