What is a series circuit?
A circuit where all components are contained in a single loop
What is a parallel circuit?
A circuit that has multiple branches
How does current behave in a series circuit?
The current is the same everywhere
How does voltage behave in a series circuit?
The voltage is shared between components
How does voltage behave in a parallel circuit?
Each branch has the same voltage
How does current behave in a parallel circuit?
The current is shared between the branches
What happens to total resistance when more components are added in series?
The total resistance increases
What happens to total resistance when more components are added in parallel?
Total resistance decreases
How must voltmeters be connected in a circuit?
In parallel
What does Kirchhoff’s first law state?
The total current going into a junction is equal to the total current coming out
What principle does Kirchhoff’s first law demonstrate?
Conservation of charge
What does Kirchhoff’s second law state?
The sum of all the voltages in a closed loop is equal to zero
What principle does Kirchhoff’s second law demonstrate?
Conservation of energy
What is a potential divider?
Two resistors connected in series
What is the purpose of a potential divider?
The voltage drops after going through the first resistor, creating a second, lower output voltage
What is a potentiometer?
A variable potential divider
How many terminals does a potentiometer have?
Three
What is a common type of potentiometer used in demonstrations?
Rheostat
Fill in the blank: A potential divider is used to obtain a ______ voltage.
Lower
What is the total voltage of a battery if each cell is identical?
Sum of voltages of cells in series
How must ammeters be connected in a circuit?
In series
