Physics

• Series Circuit


  A circuit where components are connected one after the other, creating a single path for the current to flow.
• Parallel Circuit


  A circuit where components are connected between the same two points, creating multiple paths for the current to flow.
• Energy


  The ability to do work
• Current


  The flow of electrons through a circuit or wire, measured in Amperes (A), denoted by the symbol I.
• Voltage


  The pressure or force that drives electrons to flow through a circuit or wire, measured in Volts (V) and represents the potential difference between two points.
• Resistance


  The opposition to the flow of electrons through a circuit or wire, measured in Ohms (Ω) and represented by the symbol R.
• Conductor


  A material that allows electrons to flow through it easily, with very little resistance, often used to make wires and circuits.
• Insulator


  A material that stops or reduces the flow of electrons through it, creating a high level of resistance, often used to prevent electrical currents from flowing where they are not wanted.
• Examples of Conductors

  • Metals (copper, gold, aluminium)

  • Water
• Examples of Insulators

  • Glass

  • Paper

  • Air
• Like Charges Repel

  Two objects with the same polarity (positive or negative) will repel each other
• Opposite Charges Attract

  Two objects with opposite polarities (one positive and one negative) will attract each other
• Neutral + Charged Objects Attract


  Charged objects affect neutral objects
• Static Electricity

  The transfer of electrical energy from one charged object to another;

  • object w/fewer electrons becomes positively charged (and vice versa)

  • caused by an object's surface being rubbed against another
• Advantages of a Series Circuit

  • controlled by 1 switch

  • easier to construct
• Advantages of a Parallel Circuit

  • if 1 component blows, the rest are not affected

  • adding more components will not reduce the brightness (individual pathways)

  • can turn each component off independently
• Disadvantages of a Series Circuit

  • failure of 1 component affects all components

  • adding more components results in less brightness (adds more resistance)
• Disadvantages of a Parallel Circuit

  • more difficult to construct

  • adding an increased load of components increases the risk of an electrical fire
• Current + Voltage of a Series Circuit

  • current is consistent

  • voltage is shared throughout the components
• Current + Voltage of a Parallel Circuit

  • voltage is consistent

  • current would be shared between each pathway
• Kinetic Energy

  The energy an object possesses regarding its motion

  Examples:

  • mechanical energy
  • light energy
  • sound energy
  • heat/thermal energy
  • electrical energy
• Potential Energy

  The energy stored in an object

  Examples:

  • chemical (potential) energy
  • elastic (potential) energy
  • gravitational energy
  • nuclear energy