All Flashcards
How do you calculate equivalent resistance for resistors in series?
Add the individual resistances directly: Req, s = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...
How do you calculate equivalent resistance for resistors in parallel?
Use the reciprocal method: 1/Req, p = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... Then, take the reciprocal of the sum.
How to calculate the terminal voltage of a battery?
Use the formula: ΔVterminal = ε - Ir, where ε is the EMF, I is the current, and r is the internal resistance.
Describe the steps to simplify a compound circuit to find total current.
- Calculate equivalent resistance. 2. Use Ohm's Law (V=IR) to find the total current.
Describe how to use an ammeter to measure current.
Connect the ammeter in series with the component you want to measure.
Describe how to use a voltmeter to measure voltage.
Connect the voltmeter in parallel with the component you want to measure.
What are the key differences between series and parallel connections in circuits?
Series: Current is the same, voltage is divided. Parallel: Voltage is the same, current is divided.
Compare ideal vs. nonideal components in a circuit.
Ideal: Wires have zero resistance, batteries have no internal resistance. Nonideal: Wires have some resistance, batteries have internal resistance.
Compare ammeter and voltmeter placement in a circuit.
Ammeter: connected in series. Voltmeter: connected in parallel.
Compare the resistance of ideal vs real-world ammeters.
Ideal ammeter: zero resistance. Real-world ammeter: very low resistance.
Compare the resistance of ideal vs real-world voltmeters.
Ideal voltmeter: infinite resistance. Real-world voltmeter: very high resistance.
What is Equivalent Resistance?
The total resistance of a circuit or a part of a circuit, simplified into one effective resistor.
What is Electromotive Force (ε)?
The potential difference a battery provides when no current is flowing; the battery's ideal voltage.
What is Terminal Voltage?
The actual voltage measured across a battery's terminals when current is flowing, which is less than the EMF due to internal resistance.
What is an Ammeter?
A device used to measure the current flowing through a specific point in a circuit.
What is a Voltmeter?
A device used to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit.
Define internal resistance.
The resistance within a battery that reduces the terminal voltage when current flows.