Circuits Circuits In circuits elements are connected by

Circuits

Circuits • In circuits, elements are connected by wires. • Any connected region of wire has the same potential. (same color = same potential) • The potential difference across an element is the element’s “voltage. ”

Series Wiring • Series wiring means that the devices are connected so that the same electrical current runs through each device.

Series Wiring - summary • Same current, I • Different voltage, VR for each resistor • V = V 1 + V 2 • We can combine series resistors into one equivalent resistor, Rs = R 1 + R 2

Equivalent Resistance • The resistors in series can be combined into a single equivalent resistor. • To the battery, both of these circuits are the same – the battery delivers the same current and the same power

Parallel Circuits • Parallel wiring means that the devices are connected so that the same voltage is applied across each device.

Parallel Circuits - summary •

Solving Simple Circuits • To understand complex circuits… • Combine resistors in series and parallel into a fictitious equivalent resistor! • Use Ohm’s Law to find the current, I, that the battery supplies (using the equivalent circuit) • Work backwards to find the current and voltage for each resistor using Ohm’s law, and properties of series and parallel wiring.

Assignment • Try the worksheet from yesterday again. • New worksheet today – more practice