• An electric field is a space surrounding a charged particle in which a force can be excerpted on an object in that space.

How does it relate to charge?

• The charge of a particle affects the electric field, because the field lines the particle(s) creates influences what impact it would have on a hypothetical object in that space.

• For example, placing a positive charged particle in a space will repel objects unless they have an opposite charge (e.g a negatively charged particle). If so, they will attract.

What is the "hill and water reservoir" analogy?

• This analogy is used to support a better understand of how voltage, current, and the concepts of negative and positive voltage within electrical circuits.

• The analogy goes as following:

Imagine a water system with reservoirs at different heights on a hill:

• Here, the hill represents potential difference in voltage

Water Tower (Positive Voltage)

• A water tower at the top of the hill represents a positive voltage source.

• Water in this elevated reservoir has potential energy due to its height.

• This explains how the higher the water the faster it it flows, representing how a higher voltage means a higher current in a curcuit.

Ground Level (Reference Point)

• The ground level represents the zero voltage reference point, analogous to electrical ground.

• Water from the top of the hill flows into the bottom, representing how a capacitor fills with electricity.

• When the water empties to the underground reservoir, it represents discharging a capacitor.

Underground Reservoir (Negative Voltage)

• An underground reservoir below ground level represents a negative voltage source.

• The heights of the water (whether zero or some) in either reservoir represent stored potential energy.

• Equation: Voltage = The difference in the electric potential per unit charge (Columbus)

How does it relate to the potential difference between two points in a field?

How does current behave in a series circuit (constant)?

How is voltage divided in a series circuit?

• Current is the flow of charge.

How does it relate to moving charge?

• Moving charge can be referred to as flowing charge.

What does the equation Q = I x R t tell you?

• This is Ohms law, and is what links Voltage, Current, and Resistance.

How does current behave in a parallel circuit?

How does voltage remain constant in a parallel circuit?

What did you learn through the process?

• Resistance is what restricts the flow of charge/current.

How does it affect current flow?

• Resistance restricts the flow of charge/current.

• By resisting the current, the current will diminish with the resistance increasing. Since the current can only increase if it continuously flows, if the flow is brought to a hold it cannot increase.