All Flashcards
What is a closed circuit?
A circuit with a complete path allowing charge to flow continuously.
What is an open circuit?
A circuit with a broken path, preventing charge flow.
What is a short circuit?
A circuit where charge flows with no change in potential difference, bypassing the intended path; this can be dangerous.
Define equivalent resistance.
The total resistance of a circuit or a combination of resistors.
What is capacitance (C)?
The ability of a capacitor to store charge, measured in farads (F).
Define the time constant (τ) in an RC circuit.
The time it takes for a capacitor to charge to approximately 63% of its maximum charge or discharge to approximately 37% of its initial charge; given by .
What is the effect of closing a switch in a simple circuit?
It completes the circuit, allowing current to flow.
What is the effect of increasing the resistance in a circuit?
It reduces the current flowing through the circuit (Ohm's Law).
What is the effect of increasing the voltage of a battery in a circuit?
It increases the current flowing through the circuit (Ohm's Law).
What happens to the charging rate of a capacitor if the resistance in an RC circuit is increased?
The charging rate decreases; it takes longer to charge (larger time constant).
What happens to the discharging rate of a capacitor if the capacitance in an RC circuit is increased?
The discharging rate decreases; it takes longer to discharge (larger time constant).
What happens when a capacitor is fully charged in a DC circuit?
The current stops flowing.
Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
- Initially, current is maximum. 2. As the capacitor charges, current decreases exponentially. 3. Charge on capacitor increases until it reaches its maximum value.
Describe the process of discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit.
- Initially, current is maximum (opposite direction). 2. As the capacitor discharges, current decreases exponentially. 3. Charge on capacitor decreases until it reaches zero.
How to find the equivalent resistance of resistors in series?
Add the individual resistances:
How to find the equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel?
Calculate the reciprocal of the total resistance by summing the reciprocals of individual resistances:
How to find the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in series?
Calculate the reciprocal of the total capacitance by summing the reciprocals of individual capacitances:
How to find the equivalent capacitance of capacitors in parallel?
Add the individual capacitances: