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Circuits

Overachieving and under-appreciated, circuits are the foundation that our technological society is built on. Now's your chance to find out not only how they work, but why. Questions regarding the physics behind voltage, resistance, capacitance, inductance, transistors, LEDs, switches, and power supplies; and how they're used to create analog and digital circuits, should be directed here.

500 Questions

How is the electron flow different from conventional current?

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Asked by Wiki User

In electron flow, electrons move from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a voltage source, which is opposite to the direction of conventional current flow (from positive to negative terminal). This is because electrons are negatively charged and are attracted to the positive terminal.

What determine the direction of flow of charge?

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Asked by Wiki User

The direction of flow of charge is determined by the electric field present in a circuit. Charge will flow from areas of higher potential energy to lower potential energy, following the direction of the electric field.

How a simple circuit works and what are the parts needed for it to work?

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Asked by Wiki User

A simple circuit consists of a power source (such as a battery), a load (such as a light bulb), and conductive pathways (such as wires) connecting them in a closed loop. When the circuit is complete, the power source provides energy that flows through the pathway and powers the load, causing it to operate. The flow of electric current is controlled by components like switches, resistors, and capacitors.

What does series mean in series circuit?

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Asked by Wiki User

In a series circuit, components are connected in a single path, so the same current flows through each component. If one component fails, the circuit will be broken and all components will stop working. The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances.

What will happen to the circuit if the bulb if removed from its holder?

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Asked by Wiki User

If the bulb is removed from its holder, the circuit will be open, breaking the flow of electricity. This will result in the current being unable to pass through the circuit and the bulb will not light up as a result.

Why do different wires have different thicknesses?

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Asked by Wiki User

Different wires have different thicknesses to accommodate various levels of electrical current. Thicker wires have lower electrical resistance and can carry more current without overheating. Thinner wires are suitable for lower current applications and are more flexible and easier to work with.

Which particles constitute current in a metallic conductor?

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Asked by Wiki User

In metallic conductors, current is carried by free electrons. These electrons are not bound to individual atoms and are able to move freely throughout the material in response to an applied electric field, allowing for the flow of electric current.

Is electrons moving through a copper wire an example of electric current?

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Asked by Wiki User

Yes it is, when there's a large-scale average motion in one direction due to a

voltage between the ends of the wire, and not just the random thermal motion

in a piece of wire in the back of a drawer somewhere.

What is the function of a bulb in a flashlight?

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Asked by Wiki User

The function of the bulb in a flashlight is to generate some light when some electrical

current passes through it.

Note: That's actually the whole purpose of the flashlight. If there were no part of it

that generated any light, then you do just as well without the flashlight altogether.

Why does the resistance lower as the wire thickens?

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Asked by Wiki User

As the wire thickens, there is more cross-sectional area available for the flow of electrons, which leads to less opposition to the flow of current. This results in lower resistance since the electrons have more space to move through the wire with less collisions and interactions with the wire material.

How does a pressure switch work in a circuit?

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Asked by Wiki User

A pressure switch works by responding to changes in pressure levels. When the pressure reaches a preset point, the switch triggers a change in the electrical circuit, either turning on or off a connected device. It does this by physically opening or closing internal contacts within the switch.

What happens when a coil or wire is connected to a source of direct current?

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Asked by Wiki User

When a coil or wire is connected to a source of direct current, a magnetic field is created around the coil or wire. This magnetic field strength depends on the current flowing through the coil or wire.

Is galvanometer used in ac circuits if not why?

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Asked by Wiki User

No, galvanometers are not used in AC circuits because they are designed to measure direct current (DC) only. AC currents change direction continuously, which would make it difficult for a galvanometer with a coil and a moving needle to accurately measure the current flow. Instead, instruments like ammeters and oscilloscopes are used to measure AC currents.

What happens to a person who hangs on the power line?

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Asked by Wiki User

Hanging on a power line is extremely dangerous and can result in electric shock or electrocution. The person would likely suffer severe injuries or even death due to the high voltage running through the power line. It's important to never touch or go near power lines for safety reasons.

How should two bulbs in a circuit be arranged to produce the brightest light?

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Asked by Wiki User

To produce the brightest possible light, bulbs should be arranged in parallel to each other. For this purpose,

1. Connect one of the terminals of first bulb with any of the terminals of the other bulb. Let us name this joint as 1

2. Now, connecting the remaining terminal of both of the bulbs together. Let us name this joint as 2

3. now, connect one terminal of the power source with joint 1 and other terminal with joint 2 to get maximum brightness.

How must a bulb be connected in a circuit?

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Asked by Dsboh

A bulb must be connected in a circuit by attaching one terminal to the positive side of the power source and the other terminal to the negative side. This allows current to flow through the bulb and produce light. It is important to follow the correct polarity to ensure the bulb functions properly.

How many times is the resistivity of an insulator greater than a metal?

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Asked by Wiki User

The resistivity of an insulator is typically several orders of magnitude greater than that of a metal. This is due to the insulator's low conductivity compared to the high conductivity of metals. The specific difference in resistivity value varies depending on the materials being compared.

What is the open circuit potential difference?

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Asked by Wiki User

The open circuit potential difference refers to the voltage measured across a circuit or device when it is not connected to any load. It represents the voltage that the circuit or device can provide when there is no current flowing through it. The open circuit potential difference is also known as the no-load voltage.

What happens if points A and B are shorted together in the circuit of the related link?

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Asked by Wiki User

If points A and B are shorted together in a circuit, it creates a low-resistance path between them. This typically leads to a high current flow between the two points, potentially causing damage to the components in the circuit or creating a short circuit situation. It is important to avoid unintentional short circuits to prevent damage to the circuit and ensure proper functionality.

Are copper and aluminum not attracted by magnet?

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Asked by Wiki User

Copper and aluminum are not attracted to magnets because they are non-magnetic materials. Unlike iron, nickel, or cobalt, which are attracted to magnets, copper and aluminum do not have magnetic properties.

What purpose of switch in electric circuit?

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Asked by Wiki User

A switch in an electric circuit is used to control the flow of electricity. It can be opened to interrupt the flow or closed to allow electricity to pass through. Switches are commonly used to turn devices on or off in electrical systems.

When is current produced?

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Asked by Wiki User

Electric current is produced when there is a flow of electric charge in a circuit. This flow of charge is typically generated by a voltage source, such as a battery or power supply, which creates a potential difference that pushes the electrical charge around the circuit.

What is power disipated in R if R equals 300 ohms and current equals 20 mA?

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Asked by Wiki User

The power dissipated in a resistor can be calculated using the formula P = I^2 * R, where P is power, I is current, and R is resistance. Plugging in the values given, we get P = (0.02 A)^2 * 300 ohms = 0.012 watts. Therefore, the power dissipated in the 300-ohm resistor with a current of 20 mA is 0.012 watts.

How a cell is essential in a circuit to provide energy for lights and motors?

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Asked by Wiki User

In a circuit, a cell acts as a power source by providing electrical energy to power lights and motors. It converts chemical energy stored within it into electrical energy that can be used to produce light in bulbs or generate motion in motors. The flow of electrons from the cell through the circuit is what ultimately powers these devices.

What are two common ways to wire and electric circuit?

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Asked by Wiki User

Two common ways to wire an electric circuit are in series, where the components are connected one after another in a single pathway for the current to flow through, and in parallel, where the components are connected in separate branches to the power source, allowing the current to flow through multiple paths simultaneously.