7J - Electrical Circuits Summary Notes

Current voltage and resistance. Current: The flow of charge around the circuit. Measured in amps (A) by an ammeter in series. The difference in energy between two parts of a circuit. Can also be defined as the strength or push that a power supply, such as a battery, gives a circuit. Measured in volts (V) by a voltmeter in parallel . The resistance to flow and is measured in ohms ().

Voltage

Resistance

Circuits. For a circuit to work there must be: Note: A power supply A device Wires to make a complete circuit, with no gaps, so current can flow all the way around. Conventionally current flows from positive (+ve) to negative (ve), but the charges flow from negative to positive.

Ohms law. V = IR Where V= voltage in volts I = current in amps R = resistance in ohms

CRD 2013

Circuit symbols:

Cell

Battery

Bulb

Buzzer OR

Motor OR Open Switch Closed Switch Resistor

OR

Variable Resistor

Wires

Fuse

Ammeter

Voltmeter

Ammeter and voltmeter in circuit

CRD 2013

Series and parallel circuits Series Parallel only one continuous loop. branched with more than one route for the current to flow.

Series Diagram

Parallel

Current Bulb added Bulb blows

Same Dimmer Circuit broken

Different Same brightness Other bulbs still light.

Electricity and safety. When electricity flows through a wire the wire can get hot. This can be dangerous as it can create an electrical fire. It is also used in electric fires, irons, stoves and light bulbs. As electricity can be dangerous we need a method to ensure that we stay safe even if something goes wrong. Also some electrical appliances are expensive and we dont want them damaged when there is a power surge. We protect equipment by using a fuse. A fuse is a thin piece of wire which melts hen too much electricity flows through. When it melts it breaks the circuit so no more electricity can flow.

Electricity and the body Electricity flows through the body in nerves. Electrical impulses are also involved in the control of the heart. It is current not voltage that damages the body. Electrical shocks can be fatal. Electricity can also be used to monitor the heart or restart it.

CRD 2013