PhysicsChapter 8: Electric Circuits
Series
Introduction
This topic applies the rules of series connections to circuit calculations. For resistors in series: Rₜ = R₁ + R₂ + ... Current: I = I₁ = I₂ = ... Potential difference: Vₜ = V₁ + V₂ + ...
Definition
Example
A 4 Ω and 8 Ω resistor are connected in series to 24 V. Total resistance: **Rₜ = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω** Current: **I = VR** **I = 2412 = 2 A** Voltage across 4 Ω: **V₁ = IR₁ = 2 × 4 = 8 V** Voltage across 8 Ω: **V₂ = IR₂ = 2 × 8 = 16 V** Check: **8 + 16 = 24 V**
Voltage Division
Because the same current passes through both resistors: **V₁V₂ = R₁R₂** A larger resistance therefore has a larger voltage drop.
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Series
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
Basic Idea
Example
- A 4 Ω and 8 Ω resistor are connected in series to 24 V. Total resistance: **Rₜ = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω** Current: **I = VR** **I =…
Voltage Division
- Because the same current passes through both resistors: **V₁V₂ = R₁R₂** A larger resistance therefore has a larger voltage drop.
Key Points
- R adds.
- I same.
- V divides.
Common Mistake
- Mistake: Finding current before total resistance. Correction: Always calculate total resistance…
- Mistake: Splitting current in a series circuit. Correction: Do not split current in a series…
60-second revision
- R adds.
- I same.
- V divides.
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