Characteristics of Circuits

Created by: Tom Galligan
Created on: 15-12-12 13:28

Describe the V/I functions for: Different resistors, a filament lamp and a diode

Different resistors: a straight line passing through the origin, the steeper the line, the lower the resistance. Filament lamp: a 'lazy S' passing through the origin. Diode: Zero current for negative P.D., exponentially increasing for positive P.D.

1 of 6

What might cause resistance to increase?

An increase in temperature, a DECREASE in the thickness of the wire, or an INCREASE in the length of the wire.

2 of 6

How should voltmeters and ammeters be set up in a circuit, and what do they measure?

Ammeter: Placed in SERIES, and measures the current in AMPS (A). Voltmeter: Set up in PARALLEL around the component under test, and tests the potential difference (VOLTS)

3 of 6

What happens to the resistance of a thermistor as temperature increases?

The resistance DECREASES as the temperature of a THERMISTOR INCREASES.

4 of 6

Describe how P.D., Current, and Resistance are present in the components of a SERIES circuit.

P.D. is shared (V=V1+V2+...Vn), and adds up to the source voltage. Current is the same everywhere (A1=A2=...An), the size of the current is determined by the TOTAL P.D. of the cells and the TOTAL RESISTANCE of the circuit. Resistance adds up(R=R1+Rn

5 of 6

Describe how P.D. and Current are present in the components of a PARALLEL circuit.

P.D. is the SAME across all components. ( V1=V2=...Vn) Current is shared between branches (A = A1+A2+...An)

6 of 6

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What might cause resistance to increase?

Back

An increase in temperature, a DECREASE in the thickness of the wire, or an INCREASE in the length of the wire.

Card 3

Front

How should voltmeters and ammeters be set up in a circuit, and what do they measure?

Back

Card 4

Front

What happens to the resistance of a thermistor as temperature increases?

Back

Card 5

Front

Describe how P.D., Current, and Resistance are present in the components of a SERIES circuit.

Back

View more cards

Similar Physics resources:

See all Physics resources »

See all Electricity resources »

Get Revising

Characteristics of Circuits