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6: Direct-Current (DC) Resistor Circuits

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    • 6.1: Introduction
      A direct-current (DC) circuit contains one or more complete paths for current to flow in a single direction.  In this chapter, we will learn how to analyze to analyze DC circuits consisting of resistors in series and parallel configurations.
    • 6.2: Source Voltage
      The source voltage is the work done per charge to keep the potential difference of a source constant. The source voltage is equal to the potential difference across the terminals when no current is flowing.
    • 6.3: Kirchhoff's Rules
      Kirchhoff’s rules can be used to analyze any circuit. Kirchhoff’s first rule, also known as the junction rule, applies to the current entering and exiting a junction. Current is the flow of charge; because charge is conserved, whatever charge flows into the junction must flow out. Kirchhoff’s second rule, also known as the loop rule, states that the voltage drop around a loop is zero.  This rule is a consequence of conservation of energy as changes in electric potential are related to changes in
    • 6.4: Resistors in Series and Parallel
      Basically, a resistor limits the flow of charge in a circuit and is an ohmic device where \(\Delta V=IR\). Most circuits have more than one resistor. If several resistors are connected together and connected to a battery, the current supplied by the battery depends on the equivalent resistance of the circuit.  This section describes how to calculate the equivalent resistance for resistors in series and resistors in parallel.
    • 6.5: Real Batteries
      Most real devices that provide a source voltage will have two fundamental parts: a source of electrical energy that provides a source voltage and an internal resistance.  The internal resistance of a voltage source affects the output voltage when a current flows. The voltage output of a device is called its terminal voltage.
    • 6.6: Multi-loop Circuits
      Kirchhoff’s rules, when combined with Ohm's Law can be used to analyze any circuit, simple or complex.  This section describes a problem-solving strategy that can be used for circuits with resistors and a batteries, when circuits cannot be analyzed by reducing the circuit down to the case of a single battery and single equivalent resistor.  The section also uses Kirchhoff's rules to analyze the effect of multiple real batteries placed in series and parallel.
    • 6.7: Application - Electrical Meters
      Voltmeters measure voltage, and ammeters measure current. Analog meters are based on the combination of a resistor and a galvanometer, a device that gives an analog reading of current or voltage. Digital meters are based on analog-to-digital converters and provide a discrete or digital measurement of the current or voltage. A voltmeter is placed in parallel with the voltage source to receive full voltage and must have a large resistance to limit its effect on the circuit. An ammeter is placed in
    • 6.8: Application - Grounding and Electrical Safety
      There are two known hazards of electricity—thermal and shock. A thermal hazard is one where excessive electric power causes undesired thermal effects, such as starting a fire in the wall of a house. A shock hazard occurs when electric current passes through a person. Shocks range in severity from painful, but otherwise harmless, to heart-stopping lethality. This section considers these hazards and the various factors affecting them in a quantitative manner.
    • 6.9: Direct-Current Circuits (Summary)
    • 6.10: Direct-Current Circuits (Exercise)
    • 6.11: Direct-Current Circuits (Answers)


    6: Direct-Current (DC) Resistor Circuits is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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