Series and Parallel Circuits Flashcard

Front

What is a series circuit?

Back

A series circuit is a type of electrical circuit where the components are connected end-to-end, so that the current flows through each component one after the other.

Front

What is a parallel circuit?

Back

A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit where the components are connected across common points or junctions, allowing the current to split and flow through multiple paths.

Front

What happens to the current in a series circuit when one component fails?

Back

If one component in a series circuit fails, the entire circuit is broken and the current stops flowing.

Front

What happens to the current in a parallel circuit when one component fails?

Back

If one component in a parallel circuit fails, the current can still flow through the other components, so the circuit continues to operate.

Front

How does adding more resistors in series affect the total resistance?

Back

Adding more resistors in series increases the total resistance of the circuit.

Front

How does adding more resistors in parallel affect the total resistance?

Back

Adding more resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance of the circuit.

Front

What is the formula for total resistance in a series circuit?

Back

The total resistance (R_total) in a series circuit is the sum of all individual resistances: R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...

Front

What is the formula for total resistance in a parallel circuit?

Back

The total resistance (R_total) in a parallel circuit can be calculated using the formula: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...

Front

What is voltage?

Back

Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit, which drives the current through the circuit.

Front

What is current?

Back

Current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit, measured in amperes (A).