What is Kirchhoff's Loop Rule?
The sum of all voltage changes around any closed loop in a circuit must equal zero: $\sum \Delta V = 0$.
Define electric potential energy change.
$\Delta U_{E} = q \Delta V$, where $\Delta U_{E}$ is the change in electric potential energy, $q$ is the charge, and $\Delta V$ is the change in electric potential (voltage).
What does $\sum \Delta V = 0$ mean?
The sum of all voltage changes (potential differences) as you go around a closed loop in a circuit is zero.
Define voltage gain.
An increase in electric potential, typically provided by a battery or other voltage source.
Define voltage drop.
A decrease in electric potential, typically occurring across a resistor due to energy dissipation.
What is the effect of traversing a resistor in the direction of current flow when applying Kirchhoff's Loop Rule?
A voltage drop occurs, resulting in a negative voltage change in the loop equation.
What is the effect of traversing a battery from its negative to its positive terminal when applying Kirchhoff's Loop Rule?
A voltage gain occurs, resulting in a positive voltage change in the loop equation.
What is the effect of an unbalanced potential in a closed loop?
It violates the principle of energy conservation, which is not physically possible.
What happens to the current if the resistance in a loop increases, assuming the voltage source remains constant?
According to Ohm's Law, the current decreases.
What happens when the sum of voltage changes around a closed loop does not equal zero?
It indicates an error in the circuit analysis or a violation of Kirchhoff's Loop Rule, suggesting an incorrect setup or calculation.
What is the effect of increasing the resistance in a circuit loop?
For a given voltage source, increasing resistance will decrease the current flowing in the loop.
What is the effect of increasing the voltage of a battery in a circuit loop?
Increasing the battery voltage will increase the current flowing in the loop, assuming resistance remains constant.
What happens if the sum of voltage changes around a closed loop is not zero?
This violates the principle of energy conservation, indicating an error in the circuit analysis or an impossible circuit configuration.
What is the effect of traversing a resistor in the direction of current flow?
It results in a voltage drop, meaning the electric potential decreases.
What is the effect of traversing a battery from its negative to positive terminal?
It results in a voltage gain, meaning the electric potential increases.
