Circuit
Definition
A circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows, typically consisting of a power source, conductive path, and load. Circuits can be simple or complex, involving multiple components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Ohm's Law ($V = IR$) describes the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in a circuit.
- Kirchhoff's Current Law states that the total current entering a junction equals the total current leaving it.
- Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the sum of all voltages around a closed loop equals zero.
- Series circuits have components connected end-to-end, resulting in the same current flowing through each component but potentially different voltages across them.
- Parallel circuits have components connected across common points, resulting in the same voltage across each component but potentially different currents through them.
Review Questions
- What law describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit?
- How does Kirchhoff's Current Law apply to junctions in a circuit?
- What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?
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Related terms
Resistance: The opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms ($\Omega$).
Voltage: The electric potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V).
Current: The flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (A).
