Physics 30 Lesson 29 Electric Circuits

I. Circuit symbols
The various paths from source to load and back may be extremely complicated and
may contain many different types of electrical devices and connectors. Circuit
diagrams or schematic diagrams are drawn using the following symbols to show
exactly how each device is connected to other devices. The components of an electric
circuit are called elements and their symbols are displayed below.
29 - 1 201-9-1
!" generator
battery#
power supply
resistor
variable resistor
$rheostat%
lamp $resistor%
closed switch
open switch
fuse $! fuse is a device that melts
when the current in a circuit goes
above a designed level. The
melting fuse breaks the circuit.%
ground
ammeter voltmeter
II. Kirchhoff's rules
&hen components are connected together to create circuits they may be connected in
two different ways' in series or in parallel. &hen components are in series# current
flows consecutively through those components. &hen connected in parallel# current
flows concurrently through the components.
!s electrons move through a circuit# they lose energy in the various loads they pass
through# and they often have to part company and go different ways when they reach a
(unction of more than two wires. Two basic )uestions about how electric circuits
operate are*
&hen electrons have several loads to pass through# what governs the amount of
electric potential energy they will lose in each load+
&hen electrons have a choice of several possible paths to follow# what governs the
number of electrons that will take each path+
!n understanding of the operation of simple series and parallel circuits depends on the
answers to these )uestions. ,ustav -obert .irchhoff $1/2-1//0%# a ,erman physicist#
proposed two 1rules2 that are used to analyse electric circuits. These rules are simply
the logical conse)uences that arise in circuits as a result of conservation laws.
1. The current rule $or point rule% states that the total current reaching any point in a
circuit is e)ual to the total current leaving that point. $This is a conse)uence of
the 3aw of "onservation of "harge.%
2. The oltage rule $or loop rule% states that the total change in potential around any
closed loop in a circuit is e)ual to 4ero. $This is a conse)uence of the 3aw of
"onservation of 5nergy.%
29 - 2 201-9-1
series circuit parallel circuit
The total resistance of the components in a circuit can be determined by making use of
.irchhoff6s rules and 7hm6s law. "onsider a series circuit containing a battery and
three resistors. This circuit can be considered as a simple circuit containing only one
resistor that is e)uivalent to the total resistance of the three individual resistors.
8sing .irchhoff9s voltage rule# the magnitude of the potential difference of the battery
$:
o
% e)uals the total potential difference across the three resistors.
:
o
; :
1
< :
2
< :
=
!lso# considering the simpler circuit# 7hm6s law states that
:
o
; > ?-
series
so > ?-
series
; :
1
< :
2
< :
=
!pplying 7hm6s law to each resistor
> ?-
series
; >
1
-
1
< >
2
-
2
< >
=
-
=
@ut according to .irchhoff9s current rule the current flowing through all the resistors
must be e)ual and that the same current $>
o
% would flow in the total resistance#
so >
o
; >
1
; >
2
; >
=

Therefore the currents drop out of the e)uation
-
T
; -
1
< -
2
< -
=
Aow consider a circuit containing a battery and three resistors in parallel. !gain this
circuit can be considered as a simple circuit containing one resistor e)uivalent to the
total resistance of the three individual resistors.
8sing .irchhoff9s current rule# the current through the circuit is e)ual to the sum of the
currents on the three resistors.
>
o
; >
1
< >
2
< >
=
29 - = 201-9-1
-
1
-
=
-
2
:
o


-
T
; ?-
series
:
o


-
1
-
2
-
=
:
o


-
T
; ?-
parallel
:
o


This is the same current that flows through the simpler circuit. !pplying 7hm6s law to
the simpler circuit
parallel
o
o
-
:
>

=
so = 2 1
parallel
o
> > >
-
:
+ + =

!pplying 7hm6s law to the currents on the individual resistors
=
=
2
2
1
1
parallel
o
-
:
-
:
-
:
-
:
+ + =

@ut applying .irchhoff9s voltage rule# all these potential differences are e)ual# so they
drop out of the e)uation.

= 2 1 T
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
1
+ + =
III. Electric circuits ! summary of rules
"he rules for a series circuit are#
1. The current is the same through each resistor*
>
o
; >
1
; >
2
; >
=
2. The potential difference $drop% across each resistor is different. Bowever# all of the
potential differences add up to the original voltage $:
o
%*
:
o
:
1
:
2
:
=
:
o
; :
1
< :
2
< :
=
=. The total resistance is calculated using*
-
T
; -
1
< -
2
< -
=
"he rules for a $arallel circuit are#
1. The current is different through each resistor# but they add up to the total current
$>
o
%*
>
o
>
1
>
2
>
=
>
o
; >
1
< >
2
< >
=
2. The potential difference $drop% across each resistor is the same.
:
o
; :
1
; :
2
; :
=
=. The total resistance is calculated using*
= 2 1 T
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
1
+ + =
29 - 201-9-1
-
1
-
2
>
1
>
2
>
o
>
o
1.
Cou are given three resistors*
! 20
@ =0
" D0
&hat is the total resistance if they are connected*
a% in series+
b% in parallel+
c% ! and @ are in parallel which are then in series with "
a% -
T
; -
1
< -
2
< -
=
; 20 < =0 EFE < D0 ; %00
b% 1 ; 1 < 1 < 1 ; 1 < 1 < 1 ; 0.010=
-
T
-
1
-
2
-
=
20 =0 D0
-
T
; 1 ; 9.&'
0.010=
c% first we calculate the resistance of the parallel resistors $-
!
%
1 ; 1 < 1 ; 1 < 1 ; 0.0/=== -
!
; 1G0.0/== ; 12
-
!
-
1
-
2
20 =0
now we can add the parallel part with resistor " in series
-
T
; 12 < D0 = &2
29 - D 201-9-1
I(. Electric circuit analysis
To solve problems concerning different kinds and combinations of circuits# we apply the
rules for series and parallel circuits given above. The main thing to do is to take
advantage of those things that are constant for a circuit*
Hor series circuits# the current is the same throughout.
Hor parallel elements# the voltage is the same for each resistor.
2.
Hor the given circuit# what is the current and potential drop across each resistor+
Hor a series circuit the current in each resistor is the same as the total current $>
o
%.
Therefore# if we find >
o
# we know >
1
# >
2
# and >
=
.
>
o
; :
o
; D0 : ; 0.=== ! I
%
) I
2
) I
3
) I
o
) 0.333 *
-
T
1D0
:
1
; >
1
-
1
; 0.=== ! $0 % ; %3.3 (
:
2
; >
2
-
2
; 0.=== ! $20 % ; &.&+ (
:
=
; >
=
-
=
; 0.=== ! $90 % ; 30.0 (
!s a check* :
1
< :
2
< :
=
; 1=.= : < I.I0 : < =0.0 : ; D0 : $expected value%
29 - I 201-9-1
-
T
; -
1
< -
2
< -
=
; 0 + 20 + 90 = 1D0
-
1
; 0
-
=
; 90
-
2
; 20
D0 :
3.
Hor the given circuit# what is the current and potential drop across each resistor+ &hat
is the current at the power supply $>
o
%+
Hor a parallel circuit the potential difference is the same for each resistor.
(
%
) (
2
) (
3
) (
o
) 30 (
>
1
; :
1
; =0 : ; 3.0 *
-
1
10
>
2
; :
2
; =0 : ; &.0 *
-
2
D
>
=
; :
=
; =0 : ; 2.0 *
-
=
1D
>
o
; >
1
< >
2
< >
=
; =.0 ! < I.0 ! < 2.0 ! ; %%.0 *
4.
Hor the given circuit# what is the current and potential drop across each resistor+ &hat
is the current at the power supply $>
o
%+
This circuit contains both a parallel part $-
1
is parallel to -
2
< -
=
% and a series part $-
2

and -
=
are in series%. >f we think of -
2
< -
=
as one resistor -
!
# we know that the
potential drop across -
1
and -
!
is 10 :.
(
%
; :
!
; %0 ( I
%
; :
1
G -
1
; 10 : G 10 ; %.0 *
Jince -
2
and -
=
are in series# the current will be the same in both and will be >
!
.
>
!
; :
!
; 10 : ; 0.D0 ! I
o
; >
1
< >
!
; 1.0 ! < 0.D0 ! ; %., *
-
!
1D < D
(
2
; >
2
-
2
; 0.D0 ! $1D % ; +., (
(
3
; >
=
-
=
; 0.D0 ! $D % ; 2., (
29 - 0 201-9-1
10 D 1D
=0 :
10
1D
D
10 :
(. -easuring current and $otential difference
>n order to measure the current in different parts of a circuit# we use an ammeter.
-ecall that the current is the same for two resistors in series. Jince we want to have
the same current through the resistor and the ammeter# an ammeter is hooked up in
series with the resistor. >n order that the ammeter does not substantially change the
actual current of the circuit# the resistance in an ammeter must be as small as possible.
Hor example# in the circuit shown below we temporarily break the circuit and hook up
the ammeter in series at that point.
>n order to measure the potential difference or voltage drop in different parts of a circuit#
we use a voltmeter. -ecall that the voltage drop is the same for two resistors in
parallel. Therefore# a voltmeter is hooked up in parallel with the resistor. >n order that
the voltmeter does not substantially change the actual current of the circuit# the
resistance in a voltmeter must be as large as possible. Aote that unlike the ammeter
we do not break the circuit to measure the voltage drop.
5.
Hor the circuit above# draw in an ammeter to measure the current through the 10
resistor. Kraw a voltmeter that would measure the potential across the D resistor.
29 - / 201-9-1
!
:
!
10
1D
D
10 :
:
10
1D
D
10 :
(I. Practice $roblems
1. Three resistors 20 # 10 and D are to be connected in a circuit with a 20 :
power supply. Hor each configuration below*
Kraw the circuit.
"alculate the total resistance.
Hor each circuit# calculate the current and the potential difference across
each resistor.
!. all in series
@. all in parallel
". The 10 and 20 are parallel and in series with the D resistor.
29 - 9 201-9-1
(II. .and/in assignment
1. ! string of / "hristmas tree lights connected in series to a 120 : source draws a
current of 0.0D !. Hind*
a% the total resistance of the string of lights $1I0 )
b% the resistance of each light $20 )
c% the potential difference across each light $1D :%
2.
a% &hat is the resistance of a toaster that draws a current of I.0 ! from a 120
: source+ $20 )
b% &hat resistance would have to be added in a series with the same toaster
to reduce it9s current to .0 !+ $10 )
=. "alculate the total resistance in each of these cases*
a% 10 , =0 # and D0 in a series $90 )
b% I , D # and =0 in a parallel $2.D )
c% 9 in a series with a combination consisting of # and 12 connected in
parallel with each other. $12 )
. Bow many 1I0 resistors must be connected in parallel to draw a current of I.0
! from a 120 : source+ $/%
D. The potential difference across a heating coil is I.0 : when the current through it
is =.0 !. &hat resistance must be added in series with the coil to reduce the
current through it to 2.0 !+ $1.0 )
I. ! portable radio is designed to operate at a potential difference of I.0 : and a
current of 2D0 m!# but the only source available has a potential of 10.0 :. &hat
resistance must be added in series with the radio to make it operate properly+
$1I )
0. 5xamine these circuits and find the values indicated.
a% Hind* -
2
# -
=
# and :
=
.
b% Hind* :
0
# -
1
# and -
total
.
29 - 10 201-9-1
c% Hind* -
=
# >
1
# >
2
# >

# >
D
# and >
I
.
d% Hind* >
1
# -
1
# and -
2
.
e% >
0
# >
1
# >
2
# >
=
# >

# :
1
# :
2
# :
=
# and :

.
a% $10 , 12 # ./ :)
b% $=I :# 1/ , I )
c% $ # 1 !# D !# =.= !# 1.I !# 1.1 !)
d% $=.0 !# 2.0 , I.0 )
e% $1.D !# 1.D !# 0.=0 !# 0.90 !# 0.=0 !# .2 :# 1./ :# 1./ :# 1./ :)
/. Hor the combination of resistors shown in the drawings below# determine the
e)uivalent resistance between points ! and @. $100 , I.0I )
29 - 11 201-9-1
i ii
9. The current in the /.00 resistor in the drawing is
0.D00 !. Hind the current in the 20.0 resistor and
in the 9.00 resistor. $0.0D0 !# 2.10 !%
10. Hind the current across each resistor in the circuit in the diagram. $2.0 !# 1.0 !#
1.0 !%
11. Two batteries# each with an internal resistance of 0.01D # are connected as
shown in the diagram. >n effect# the 9.0 : battery is being used to charge the /.0
: battery . &hat is the current in the circuit+ $==.= !%
12. &hat would be the current in the circuit above if the /.0 : battery was turned
around and reconnected+ $DI0 !%
1=. >n the circuit below L# C and M are switches. Kescribe which lights are on and
which lights are off in the following situations.
!. L open# C closed# M closed
@. L closed# C open# M closed
". L closed# C open# M open
K. L closed# C closed# M closed
29 - 12 201-9-1
Circuit *nalysis *ctiity
0eries Circuits
Problem#
&hat is the relationship between electric potential and electric current in series
circuits+
-aterials#
low-voltage K" power supply $set at the maximum setting%
two resistors $1=0 # 220 %
K" ammeter
K" voltmeter
various connecting wires
Procedure#
1. 8se the value on the block for each resistor in your calculations.
2. Jet up the series circuit shown in the diagram.
=. 0et and measure the voltage $:
o
% from the power supply to 0.0 :.
. @efore proceeding with other measurements# calculate -
T
# >
o
# >
1
# >
2
# :
1
and :
2
.
Jhow all calculations.
D. 8sing the appropriate meters# measure the values of >
o
# >
1
# >
2
# :
1
and :
2
in the
circuit.
1uestions#
1. Bow many different paths are there for an electron to take through a series
circuit+ 5xplain.
2. 8tili4ing an appropriate table of results# comment on how the measured and
calculated values compare.
=. >f the resistors were rearranged in this circuit# how would the total resistance#
potential drop and current values change+
29 - 1= 201-9-1
-
1
$1=0 )
-
2
$220 )
:
o

Parallel Circuits
Problem#
&hat is the relationship between electric potential and electric current in parallel
circuits+
Procedure#
1. 8sing the same resistors and power supply from the series circuit activity# set up
the parallel circuit shown in the diagram.
=. 0et and measure the voltage $:
o
% from the power supply to 0.0 :.
. @efore proceeding with other measurements# calculate -
T
# >
o
# >
1
# >
2
# :
1
and :
2
.
Jhow all calculations.
D. 8sing the appropriate meters# measure the values of >
o
# >
1
# >
2
# :
1
and :
2
in the
circuit.
1uestions#
1. Bow many different paths are there for an electron to take through a parallel
circuit+ 5xplain.
2. 8tili4ing an appropriate table of results# comment on how the measured and
calculated values compare.
=. >f the resistors were rearranged in this circuit# how would the total resistance#
potential drop and current values change+
29 - 1 201-9-1
-
1
-
2
:
o

Combination Circuit
Problem#
&hat is the relationship between electric potential and electric current in combination
circuits+
Procedure#
1. Jet up the circuit shown in the diagram. $Hor this set up you re)uire another 1=0
resistor.%
=. 0et and measure the voltage $:
o
% from the power supply to 0.0 :.
. @efore proceeding with other measurements# calculate -
T
# >
o
# >
1
# >
2
# >
=
# :
1
# :
2
# and
:
=
. Jhow all calculations.
D. 8sing the appropriate meters# measure the values of >
o
# >
1
# >
2
# >
=
# :
1
# :
2
# and :
=
in
the circuit.
1uestions#
1. Bow many different paths are there for an electron to take through a combination
circuit+ 5xplain.
2. 8tili4ing an appropriate table of results# comment on how the measured and
calculated values compare.
=. >f the resistors were rearranged in this circuit# how would the total resistance#
potential drop and current values change+
29 - 1D 201-9-1
-
1
-
2
-
=
$1=0 )
:
o