Applications of Circuits

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Series Circuit Noun

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[seer-eez sur-kit]

Back

Series Circuit

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A circuit where components are arranged in a single path, so the current is the same through each component.

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Example: This diagram shows a series circuit where electrical components (resistors) are connected one after another, creating a single path for the electric current.

Front

Parallel Circuit Noun

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[par-uh-lel sur-kit]

Back

Parallel Circuit

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A circuit where components are arranged in separate branches, and the voltage is the same across each branch.

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Example: This diagram shows a parallel circuit, where electrical components (resistors R1, R2, R3) are connected in separate branches, providing multiple paths for electricity.

Front

Combination Series-Parallel Circuit Noun

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[kom-bi-nay-shun seer-eez par-uh-lel sur-kit]

Back

Combination Series-Parallel Circuit

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An electric circuit that includes both series and parallel branches of components, combining features of both circuit types.

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Example: This diagram shows a combination circuit where current flows through a series resistor (R1) before splitting to flow through two parallel resistors (R2 and R3).

Front

Equivalent Resistance Noun

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[i-kwiv-uh-luhnt ri-zis-tuhns]

Back

Equivalent Resistance

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The total effective resistance of a circuit, representing a single value that could replace all individual resistors.

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Example: This diagram shows three resistors connected in a series circuit. The equivalent resistance is the total resistance of the circuit, found by adding the values of each resistor.

Front

Ammeter Noun

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[am-mee-ter]

Back

Ammeter

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A low-resistance device used to measure the current in a branch of a circuit, connected in series with the component.

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Example: This diagram shows an ammeter connected in series within a simple circuit to measure the electric current flowing from the battery to the lamp.

Front

Voltmeter Noun

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[volt-mee-ter]

Back

Voltmeter

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A high-resistance device used to measure the potential difference (voltage) across a component, connected in parallel with it.

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Example: This diagram shows a voltmeter is connected in parallel with a circuit component (a resistor) to measure the voltage difference across it.

Front

Voltage Divider Noun

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[vohl-tij dih-vy-der]

Back

Voltage Divider

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A simple series circuit used to produce a specific, lower voltage output from a higher-voltage source.

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Example: A circuit with two resistors in series splits the input voltage (10V), creating a lower output voltage (5V) across one of the resistors.

Front

Circuit Overload Noun

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[sur-kit oh-ver-lohd]

Back

Circuit Overload

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A dangerous condition that occurs when the current in a circuit exceeds a safe level, often due to too many appliances.

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Example: Plugging too many devices into a single power strip can draw more electrical current than the circuit is designed for, causing it to overload.

Front

Short Circuit Noun

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[short sur-kit]

Back

Short Circuit

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A condition where a circuit with very low resistance is formed, causing a dangerously large current to flow.

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Example: A short circuit creates an unintended, low-resistance path for electricity, causing it to bypass the main parts of the circuit, like the light bulb.

Front

Circuit Breaker Noun

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[sur-kit brey-ker]

Back

Circuit Breaker

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An automatic switch that acts as a safety device by opening the circuit to stop current flow when it exceeds a set limit.

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Example: This diagram shows the internal parts of a circuit breaker, a safety device that uses thermal and electromagnetic systems to automatically stop electricity flow.