Electric Circuits

Learning Objectives: Recognize that Kirchhoff's Laws are applications of the Law od Conservation of Energy and the Law of Conservation of Charge. State Kirchhoff's First and Second Law. Define: series circuit, parallel circuit, equivalent resistance. Draw a schematic of a series and parallel circuit. Solve problems related to electrical circuit analysis using expressions for current, potential difference and resistance. Determine an equivalent resistance to replace two or more resistors in an electric circuit. Recognize the importance of using Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws in analyzing electric circuits.

Key Conecpts: In this unit students will increase their abilities to: Kirchhoff's Laws are applications of two fundamental laws: the Law of Conservation of Energy, and the Law of Conservation of Charge. Kirchhoff's Current Law states that at any junction in an electric circuit, the total current flowing into the junction is the same as the total current leaving the junction. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the algebraic sum of the potential differences in a complete circuit must be zero. A series circuit provides only one path for electrons to flow. A parallel circuit provides alternate paths for current to follow. An equivalent resistance is a single resistance which replaces two or more resistors. Resistance equations were developed using Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws. In a series circuit current, voltage and resistance can be calculated as follows: In a parallel circuit current, voltage and resistance cam be calculated as follows: