Ch 11: AP Physics 1: Direct Current Circuits
About This Chapter
AP Physics 1: Direct Current Circuits - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Let our knowledgeable instructors guide you through the ins and outs of direct-current electricity from the basics of electricity to power generation and delivery. Your AP Physics 1 test preparation is made easy with memorable videos and application-focused instruction. Make sure you're on the right track by completing the chapter test and lesson quizzes. The topics covered in this chapter include:
- Electrical current and resistance
- Ohm's Law
- Electrical energy/power
- Electrical circuits
- Circuit analysis
- Kirchhoff's Rules
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| What is Electric Current | In this video our instructors cover all of the basics of electric current, including how electrons move, amperes, and direct vs. alternating current. |
| Electrical Resistance: Definition, Unit & Variables | Learn about resistance and how to influence it in this video lesson. |
| Ohm's Law: Definition & Relationship Between Voltage, Current & Resistance | Here we discuss the components of Ohm's Law and why it is important in studying electrical currents. |
| Calculating Energy & Power in Electric Circuits | Our experts provide instruction on the formulae used to calculate energy and power. |
| Electric Circuit Fundamentals: Components & Types | Here you will learn about the properties of electricity as it moves through series and parallel circuits. |
| Series Circuits: Definition & Concepts | Here our instructors focus on circuits set in series, with examples and applications. |
| Parallel Circuits: Definition & Concepts | In this video the focus is parallel circuits, again with applications and examples. |
| Finding the Equivalent Resistance: Series, Parallel & Combination Circuits | Learn how to calculate resistance in parallel, series, and combination circuits in this lesson. |
| Applying Kirchhoff's Rules: Examples & Problems | Kirchhoff's rules, and how they are used in a circuit, are the topics covered in this video. |
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.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the AP Physics 1: Exam Prep course
- AP Physics 1: Systems
- AP Physics 1: Vectors
- AP Physics 1: Kinematics
- AP Physics 1: Newton's Laws
- AP Physics 1: Work, Energy, & Power
- AP Physics 1: Linear Momentum
- AP Physics 1: Motion
- AP Physics 1: Oscillations
- AP Physics 1: Rotational Motion
- AP Physics 1: Electrical Forces and Fields
- AP Physics 1: Mechanical Waves
- AP Physics 1 Flashcards
