Lesson: Chapter - 14
DC Circuits
In the previous chapter, we looked at the
movement of charges, showing that a net charge creates an electric field with
differences in electric potential energy at different points in the field. When
two points in a field with a potential difference are connected by a conducting
material, electrons will flow spontaneously from one point to another.
Video Lesson
For instance, when the two terminals of a battery (a source of potential difference)
are connected by a copper wire (a conducting material), electrons flow
spontaneously from the negative terminal of the battery toward the positive
terminal. This mass flow of electrons in a particular direction creates a
current, which is the source of the circuits that we will examine in this
chapter.
As fans of hard rock know, there are two kinds of circuits, AC and DC. AC stands
for alternating current: an electromagnetic generator induces a current that
alternates in direction. AC circuits can be quite complicated, so you’ll be
relieved to know this is the last you’ll hear of them: they don’t appear on test Physics. However, you should expect a good number of questions on DC, or
direct current, circuits. These are the more familiar circuits, where a current
flows steadily in a single direction.
Next to display next topic in the chapter.
Practice Questions
Video Lessons and 10 Fully Explained Grand Tests
Large number of solved practice MCQ with explanations. Video Lessons and 10 Fully explained Grand/Full Tests.