ABSTRACT
At the end of this chapter you should be able to:
• calculate unknown voltages, current and resistances in a series circuit • understand voltage division in a series circuit • calculate unknown voltages, currents and resistances in a parallel network • calculate unknown voltages, currents and resistances in series-parallel networks • understand current division in a two-branch parallel network • appreciate the loading effect of a voltmeter • understand the difference between potentiometers and rheostats • perform calculations to determine load currents and voltages in potentiometers and rheostats • understand and perform calculations on relative and absolute voltages • state three causes of short circuits in electrical circuits • describe the advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel connection of lamps
Fig. 5.1 shows three resistors, R1, R2 and R3, connected end to end, i.e. in series, with a battery source of V volts.
