PHYS 3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 26.1-26.2: Voltage, Alternating Current
Document Summary
Direct-current (dc) = currents in which the direction of the current does not change with time. Alternating current (ac) = currents in which the current oscillates back and forth. Series = when several circuit elements are connected in sequence with only a single current path between the points. The current (charge flow per unit time) is the same across each element. Parallel = when several circuit elements provide alternative paths between points. The potential difference is the same across each element. For any combination of resistors, we can always find a single resistor that could replace the combination and result in the same total current and potential difference. The equivalent resistance of a series combination equals the sum of the individual resistances. Equivalent resistance is greater than any individual resistance. Equivalent resistance = the resistance of this single resistor. The reciprocal of the equivalent resistance of a parallel combination equals the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances.
