14. DC Circuits

• Course Home
• Syllabus
• Electric Fields

  • 1. Introduction to Electric Fields
  • 2. Math Review, Fields
  • 3. Electric Fields and Discrete Charge Distributions
  • 4. Electric Fields and Continuous Charge Distributions
  • 5. Gauss's Law
• Electric Potential

  • 6. Discrete and Continuous Distributions of Charge
  • 7. Equipotential Lines and Electric Fields
  • 8. Gauss's Law and Configuration Energy
• Capacitors

  • 9. Conductors and Insulators, Conductors as Shields
  • 10. Capacitance and Capacitors, Energy Stored in Capacitors
  • 11. Capacitors and Dielectrics
• Circuits

  • 12. Current, Current Density, Resistance, and Ohm's Law
  • 13. Batteries and Circuit Elements
  • 14. DC Circuits
  • 15. DC Circuits with Capacitors
• Magnetic Fields and Forces

  • 16. Magnetic Field
  • 17. Magnetic Forces
  • 18. Magnetic Dipoles
• Creating Magnetic Fields

  • 19. Biot-Savart Law
  • 20. Ampere's Law
• Faraday's Law

  • 21. Faraday's Law
  • 22. Inductance and Magnetic Energy
  • 23. RL Circuits
• Oscillating Circuits

  • 24. Undriven RLC Circuits
  • 25. Driven RLC Circuits
• Maxwell's Equations

  • 26. The Displacement Current and Maxwell's Equations
  • 27. Poynting Vector and Energy Flow in a Capacitor
• Electromagnetic Waves

  • 28. Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
  • 29. Energy and Momentum in Electromagnetic Waves
  • 30. Generating EM Waves, Dipole Radiation and Polarization
• Nature of Light

  • 31. Interference
  • 32. Diffraction
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Learning Objectives

• To be able to explain the general features of DC circuits containing batteries, resistances, and capacitors.
• To be able to calculate the currents in multi-loop circuits using Kirchoff's Laws.
• To be able to calculate the power delivered and dissipated in simple circuits.

Preparation

Course Notes

Read through the course notes before watching the video.  The  course note files may also contain links to associated animations or interactive simulations.

Read sections 7.1 through 7.5:
Direct-Current Circuits (PDF)

Lecture Video

Video Excerpts

Learning Activities

Self-Assessment

Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems.

Concept Questions

Concept Questions (PDF)

Solutions (PDF)

Challenge Problems

Challenge Problems (PDF)

Solutions (PDF)

Problem Solving Help

Watch the Problem Solving Help videos for insights on how to approach and solve problems related to the concepts in this module.

Problem 1: A Multi-battery, Multi-resistor, Multi-loop Circuit

A circuit consists of three batteries and six resistors, arranged in two loops. Two of the batteries have unknown voltages. Given the currents in the two loops, we solve for the unknown battery voltages.

Problem 2: Current and Potential Differences in a Multi-Loop Circuit with a Switch

A set of 5 resistors and a switch are arranged in a circuit with two loops. Initially the switch is open, and then it is closed. We find the current in the branches of the circuits in both circumstances.

 

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