Ch 14: AP Physics 1: Direct Current Circuits

1. What is Electric Current? - Definition, Unit & Types

Like a river current is the flow of water molecules, electrical current is the flow of charged particles. In this lesson, we're going to explore what electrical current is, what causes it, and that, unlike a water current, electrical current doesn't always flow in one direction.

2. Electrical Resistance: Definition, Unit & Variables

We'll take a shopping trip to the mall to learn how electrical resistance works and how it is affected by resistivity, conductor dimensions, and temperature. We'll also take a look at several common appliances that take advantage of resistance to function.

3. Ohm's Law: Definition & Relationship Between Voltage, Current & Resistance

Did you know that electrical current is affected by the voltage and resistance in a circuit? In this lesson, we'll use Ohm's law, which tells us how current, voltage, and resistance are related, as we work through several electric circuit examples.

4. Calculating Energy & Power in Electric Circuits

In this video lesson, you will learn how to find the power in an electric circuit using either the voltage or the resistance in the circuit. See how this power translates into the energy we see at work in light bulbs and other electrical products.

5. Electric Circuit Fundamentals: Components & Types

Electric circuits can be configured to power several loads, such as light bulbs, in series or in parallel. In this lesson, we'll look at both types of circuits and see how the voltage, current, and resistance are affected by installing additional loads.

6. Series Circuits: Definition & Concepts

When you flip a switch to turn your lights on, you are completing a circuit and providing a pathway for electrons to flow. In this lesson, you'll learn how connecting devices in a series along that circuit affects the current and resistance throughout.

7. Parallel Circuits: Definition & Concepts

People moving through an airport are similar to electrons moving through a circuit. Parallel circuits are one type of simple circuit, and they get their name from the multiple, parallel paths they provide for electron flow.

8. Electric Circuit Diagrams: Applications & Examples

Electric circuit diagrams show you how to connect the parts of a circuit, but they also can do a lot more! In this lesson, learn how to use a circuit diagram to calculate the current in different branches of a circuit.

9. Finding the Equivalent Resistance: Series, Parallel & Combination Circuits

How does resistance impact the way that electrical currents flow through a circuit That's what we are exploring in this lesson. We'll check out resistance in the three main kinds of circuits and practice calculating this value.

10. Applying Kirchhoff's Rules: Examples & Problems

Ohm's Law can be useful for analyzing simple circuits, but when circuits are more complex, as they often are, we can instead analyze the circuits using Kirchhoff's rules. Learn about Kirchhoff's rules in this lesson.