11.3 Measuring the Properties of Simple Circuits · SIMPLE CIRCUITS. Circuit diagrams: - use...
Transcript of 11.3 Measuring the Properties of Simple Circuits · SIMPLE CIRCUITS. Circuit diagrams: - use...
11.3 MEASURING THE PROPERTIES OF SIMPLE CIRCUITS
Circuit diagrams:
- use standard symbols to represent the components in an electric
circuit and their connections.
The conducting wire is shown as straight lines that connect to form a
rectangle or square.
Series circuits: only one path along which electrons can flow.
Parallel circuits: more than one path along which electrons can flow.
Electric current
- unit: amps (A) or milliamps (mA)
- device to measure:
ammeter or milliammeter (or galvanometer)
Ammeters are always connected in series
A multimeter, when set as an ammeter, measures the
current
Potential Difference (voltage)
- unit: volts (V)
- device to measure: voltmeter
Voltmeters are always connected in parallel
A multimeter, when set as an voltmeter, measures the
potential difference
Cells connected in series (positive to negative, and negative to positive)
Total voltage:
sum of the voltage across each cell
Total voltage:
Voltage across one cell.
Cells connected in parallel (positive to positive, and negative to negative)
What advantages or disadvantages might there be to connecting cells
in either of the two ways?
Adding cells in series to a battery is
like raising the gravitational potential
of a box by lifting it to a higher shelf.
Many familiar batteries contain
several cells that have been
connected in series.