All Flashcards
Define Kirchhoff's Loop Rule.
The sum of all voltage changes around any closed loop in a circuit must equal zero.
What is electric potential energy?
The energy a charge possesses due to its position in an electric field.
What is potential difference?
The difference in electric potential between two points; also known as voltage.
Define voltage drop.
The decrease in electric potential across a circuit element, such as a resistor.
Define voltage gain.
The increase in electric potential provided by a source, such as a battery.
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.
Label the electric potential graph showing voltage drop across a resistor.
1: Initial Potential, 2: Voltage Drop, 3: Final Potential, 4: Resistor.