Potential difference across the terminals of a battery when it is not in a complete circuit, measured in volts (V)
Terminal potential difference
Potential difference across the terminals of a battery when it is in a complete circuit, measured in volts (V)
Voltage
Measure of required/done to move a certain amount of charge, equivalent to J⋅C−1
Current
Rate at which charge moves/flows, measured in amperes (A) which is equivalent to C⋅s−1
Conventional current flows from the positive terminal of a battery, through a circuit, to the negative terminal
Ammeters
Measure current and must be connected in series
Voltmeters
Measure potential difference (voltage) and must be connected in parallel
Resistance
Measure of how much work must be done for charge to flow through a circuit element, measured in ohms (Ω) and equivalent to V⋅A−1
The current is the flow of electrons through a conductor.
A closed circuit has no breaks or gaps in it, allowing electricity to flow continuously.
In an open circuit, there is no pathway for electricity to travel, resulting in zero current flowing through it.
Series Circuits
Components connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current flow. Current is the same at every point, and total voltage is the sum of voltages across each component.
Parallel Circuits
Components connected across each other, forming multiple paths for current flow. Voltage is the same across each component, and total current is the sum of currents through each path.
