What is an Ammeter?

Measures Current

Units on Ammeter are Milliamps (amperes)

If you connect an ammeter backwards the pointer on the scale will go the wrong direction

Range of ammeter is 0 Milliamps – 500 Milliamps

Intervals are by 10 milliamps

ALWAYS connect ammeter in series

What is a Voltmeter?

Units on Voltmeter are volts

Range of Voltmeter is 0 volts – 5 volts

Intervals are by .25 volts

ALWAYS connect in parallel

NEVER connect in series (may break)

Batteries in Series vs. Batteries in Parallel

Batteries in Series Batteries in Parallel

Increases current/power/voltage (advantage) Current/power/voltage remains the same (disadvantage)

Lasts as long as one battery (disadvantage) Schematic

Lasts as long as number of batteries (advantage)

Schematic
Removing a battery results in open circuit Removing a battery does not result in open circuit

Current increases Current remains the same

As Voltage Increases, Current

Increases
Current and Voltages in Circuits

Circuit 1- Series
The Switch In A Series Circuit

When A it is open- Circuit

B If the Current reads 150 mA at point A then at every other point
is incomplete
the current would read 150 mA.
When it is closed- Circuit is complete In A Parallel Circuit
Current is the same at all points in a series circuit
Current can flow whenever If the Current reads 400 mA at Point A then point B and
C the switch is closed
In apoint
seriesC circuit
would the
readvoltage
200 mA is the sum of the individual voltages
Can turn circuit on and off without removing power or cutting wire
Current divides in a parallel circuit, the total current is
Circuit 2- Parallel
Since the switch is metal current equalcan flow through
to the switch
addition to other
of the parts
current of circuit
in each when
parallel branch.
in is closed.
Fun Facts
A In a parallel circuit the voltage is average of the individual
Current flows in one direction in avoltages
“DC” (direct current) circuit
B C
Reversing the polarity of the electrical energy source reverses the direction of current
 Science Electricity Study Guide

Define:

Battery: an electrical energy source containing positive and negative electrons. It

has potential chemical that can be converted into electromagnetic kinetic energy.

Current: the flow of electrons; how many electrons pass a point each second.

Amps: the unit of electrical current; rate at which electrons flow

Voltage: The ability to cause current; amount of change in electrons

Volt: the unit for voltage

Electricity- the flow of electrons

Electrical Circuit- electrical system connecting an electrical energy source to

components that use electrical energy

Closed Circuit- a circuit with a continuous path

Open Circuit- a circuit with a break in the conducting path between the electrical
components

Series Circuit- circuit with only one closed path connecting electrical components

Parallel Circuit- circuit with more than one closed path connecting components to
the electrical power source

Schematic- a diagram that represents an electrical circuit using symbols

Schematic Drawings:

________ + A -
V
__
+

Wire Switch Fan Ammeter