Activity 1.2.4 Circuit Calculations
Introduction
Regardless of circuit complexity, circuit designers as well as users need to be able to apply basic electrical theories to circuits in order to verify safe operation and troubleshoot unexpected circuit failure. In this activity you will gain experience applying Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws to circuits in order to gain understanding of circuit requirements and relationships between voltage, current, and resistance.
Regardless of circuit complexity, circuit designers as well as users need to be able to apply basic electrical theories to circuits in order to verify safe operation and troubleshoot unexpected circuit failure. In this activity you will gain experience applying Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws to circuits in order to gain understanding of circuit requirements and relationships between voltage, current, and resistance.
Conclusion
1. State two rules for the voltage and current in a series circuit.
a. Series circuits' current is the same throughout the entire circuit.
b. The voltage in a series circuit is always going to equal the voltage of the circuit's battery.
2. State two rules for the voltage and current in a parallel circuit.
a. The current in a parallel circuit is going to be different for each respective bulb.
b. The voltage in a parallel circuit is always going to equal the voltage of the circuit's battery.
3. If you remove a single bulb from an inexpensive string of Christmas tree lights, all of the lights in the entire string will go off. Are the bulbs connected in series or parallel? Explain.
All of the bulbs in this string of Christmas lights are connected in a series circuit. In a series circuit, all bulbs are powered through one "route," so if any bulb is removed, the circuit's connection from Start to Finish will be interrupted and shut off all lights.
1. State two rules for the voltage and current in a series circuit.
a. Series circuits' current is the same throughout the entire circuit.
b. The voltage in a series circuit is always going to equal the voltage of the circuit's battery.
2. State two rules for the voltage and current in a parallel circuit.
a. The current in a parallel circuit is going to be different for each respective bulb.
b. The voltage in a parallel circuit is always going to equal the voltage of the circuit's battery.
3. If you remove a single bulb from an inexpensive string of Christmas tree lights, all of the lights in the entire string will go off. Are the bulbs connected in series or parallel? Explain.
All of the bulbs in this string of Christmas lights are connected in a series circuit. In a series circuit, all bulbs are powered through one "route," so if any bulb is removed, the circuit's connection from Start to Finish will be interrupted and shut off all lights.