ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS Measurements

This is how to draw an ammeter in a circuit. Measuring current This is how to draw an ammeter in a circuit. A A SERIES CIRCUIT PARALLEL CIRCUIT

Measuring current SERIES CIRCUIT at all points in the circuit. Current is the same at all points in the circuit. The electrons flow single file 2A 2A 2A PARALLEL CIRCUIT Current is shared between the components The electrons split up 2A 2A 1A 1A

Fill in the missing ammeter readings. Measuring current Fill in the missing ammeter readings. 3A ? 3A 4A ? ? 1A 4A ? 4A 1A ? 1A

Measuring current Summary Current is “stuff”, actual electrons In a single file line it must be the same throughout. In a branched path is must split up, with some down each path 3A ? 3A 4A ? ? 1A 4A ? 4A 1A ? 1A

This is how to draw a voltmeter in a circuit. Measuring voltage This is how to draw a voltmeter in a circuit. V V SERIES CIRCUIT PARALLEL CIRCUIT

Voltage is shared between the components Measuring voltage Series Circuit Voltage is shared between the components Like a train running through brick walls. It slowly comes to a stop 6V 3V 3V

Voltage is the same in all parts of the circuit. Measuring voltage Parallel Circuit Voltage is the same in all parts of the circuit. 3V Like two people under the same waterfall 3V 3V

Review a) 6V 4A A V V A

Review b) 6V 4A A V A V A

Review Answers a) b) 6V 6V 4A 4A 6V 4A 4A 3V 3V 2A 4A 6V 2A

Review Summary Current Voltage In a series circuit, the current is the same throughout In a parallel circuit the current divides up amongst all the paths Voltage The opposite of current In a series circuit it is divided up amongst each element In a parallel circuit each “person under the waterfall” receives the same voltage