Current in Series Circuits

• What is meant by a series circuit?

  A circuit with no branches for current flow
• What is an electric current?

  A flow of electrical charge around a circuit
• What is the pattern of current flow in a series circuit?

  The current is the same at all points
• What symbols do scientists use to represent circuit components?

  Symbols for cell, lamp, and switches
• What are the first four symbols used in electric circuits?

  Cell, lamp, open switch, closed switch
• What happens when the switch in a circuit is closed?

  Electrons flow out of the cell
• In which direction do electrons flow in a circuit?

  From the negative end to the positive end
• What do electrons carry from the cell?

  Energy to the components in the circuit
• What type of energy is transferred to the lamp in the circuit?

  Electrical energy to light and thermal energy
• How is electric current usually represented?

  Using an arrow
• What is the conventional current direction?

  From positive to negative end
• What is the unit of electrical current?

  Ampere
• What is the symbol for Ampere?

  Capital A
• How can we measure the current in a circuit?

  Using an ammeter
• What is the reading of the ammeter in the circuit?

  0.1 amp
• What happens to the current in a series circuit?

  The current is the same all the way around
• What is the reading of the second ammeter in the circuit?

  0.1 amp
• What is a key point about current in a circuit?

  Current is never used up in a circuit
• What are the components of a simple electric circuit?

  • One cell
  • One open switch
  • One lamp
  • Connecting wires
• What are the differences between conventional current and actual electron flow?

  • Conventional current: flows from positive to negative
  • Actual electron flow: flows from negative to positive
• What are the key characteristics of series circuits?

  • No branches in the circuit
  • Current is the same throughout
  • Components are connected end-to-end