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Corey Mousseau

This course is one of several courses designed for Algebra Based AP Physics 1 and Regents Physics.  In this course we will cover DC Circuits in depth. 

The videos and resources will include lectures, demonstrations, and plenty of worked out example problems with High School physics curriculum and the AP Physics 1 & 2 curriculum in mind. This is perfect for any student planning to take the AP exam or any Introductory College physics student.  While this course does not cover calculus based physics, any student enrolled in such course will still benefit from the ground work laid out here. 

Read more

This course is one of several courses designed for Algebra Based AP Physics 1 and Regents Physics.  In this course we will cover DC Circuits in depth. 

The videos and resources will include lectures, demonstrations, and plenty of worked out example problems with High School physics curriculum and the AP Physics 1 & 2 curriculum in mind. This is perfect for any student planning to take the AP exam or any Introductory College physics student.  While this course does not cover calculus based physics, any student enrolled in such course will still benefit from the ground work laid out here. 

While this course does have sections for both High School and AP Level Physics, the videos intended for the AP crowed will be clearly labeled.   

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What's inside

Learning objective

We will cover everything you need to know about electric circuits!

Syllabus

Introduction to DC Circuits
Introduction
Physics Course Online Course Map
DC Circuits Workbook
Read more
Series Circuits Example VIRP Table
Series Circuits
Series Circuits Introduction Part 1
Series Circuits Introduction Part 2
DC Circuits Series Circuits 1 MC
DC Circuits Series Circuits 2 MC
Parallel Circuits
5 - Parallel Circuits Introduction
6 - Parallel Circuits - VIRP Table
DC Circuits Parallel Circuits 1 MC
DC Circuits Parallel Circuits 2 MC
Conceptual Circuits
7 - Conceptual Lights Part 1
8 - Conceptual Lights Part 2
9 - Conceptual Lights Phet
DC Circuits - Electrical Meters
Combination Circuits
Combination Circuits - Equivalent Resistance Part 1
Combination Circuits - Equivalent Resistance Part 2
Combination Circuits - Equivalent Resistance Part 3
Applying Kirchhoff's Laws
Circuits Word Problems

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation in DC circuits, which is essential for success in AP Physics 1 & 2 and introductory college physics courses
Includes lectures, demonstrations, and worked-out example problems, which are helpful for visual learners and those who benefit from step-by-step guidance
Offers content suitable for both high school and AP level physics, allowing students to tailor their learning experience based on their individual needs and goals
Focuses on algebra-based physics, which may not be suitable for students taking calculus-based physics courses without additional resources
Features a section on Kirchhoff's Laws, which are fundamental to circuit analysis and are widely used in electrical engineering and physics
Includes a DC Circuits workbook, which provides students with opportunities to practice and apply their knowledge through problem-solving exercises

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Physics - DC Circuits - High School and AP Physics with these activities:
Review Basic Electrical Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electrical concepts like voltage, current, and resistance to better grasp circuit behavior.
Browse courses on Ohm's Law
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  • Review definitions of voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Practice applying Ohm's Law to simple circuits.
  • Solve problems involving power and energy in circuits.
Schaum's Outline of Basic Electricity
Use this book to review and reinforce your understanding of basic electricity concepts.
Show steps
  • Read the relevant chapters on DC circuits.
  • Work through the solved problems.
  • Complete the practice exercises.
Series and Parallel Circuit Calculations
Sharpen your skills in calculating equivalent resistance, current, and voltage in series and parallel circuits.
Show steps
  • Solve a variety of series circuit problems.
  • Solve a variety of parallel circuit problems.
  • Solve mixed series-parallel circuit problems.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Build a Simple Circuit
Gain hands-on experience by building a simple DC circuit with resistors, LEDs, and a power source.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary components and tools.
  • Design a circuit diagram.
  • Assemble the circuit on a breadboard.
  • Test the circuit and troubleshoot any issues.
Create a Circuit Simulation
Build a simulation of a DC circuit to visualize current flow and voltage distribution.
Show steps
  • Choose a circuit simulation software or online tool.
  • Design a circuit with various components.
  • Simulate the circuit and analyze the results.
  • Document your findings and observations.
The Art of Electronics
Expand your understanding of electronics beyond the course material with this comprehensive guide.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to DC circuits and components.
  • Work through the example problems and exercises.
  • Explore additional topics of interest.

Career center

Learners who complete Physics - DC Circuits - High School and AP Physics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Science Tutor
A Science Tutor provides one-on-one or small group instruction to students in science related topics. This course helps a Science Tutor because it offers a very comprehensive review of direct current circuits, allowing a tutor to work with a variety of learners. The progression through basic series and parallel circuits to more advanced combination circuits, complete with worked examples, establishes an understanding of how the material will need to be presented to students. The course material is directly applicable to a high school and AP curriculum. A tutor seeking to understand DC circuits will benefit from working through all the course content.
Physics Teacher
A Physics Teacher educates students in the principles of physics. This course may be useful to a Physics Teacher because it provides a thorough review of DC circuits. The course content, designed for both high school and AP levels, provides material directly applicable to classroom instruction. The course's well-structured presentation of topics, from introductory concepts through more advanced topics such as Kirchhoff's Laws, makes it an effective resource for a teacher preparing lesson plans. The inclusion of demonstrations and worked examples can further enhance teaching materials. If you teach physics, this course provides key concepts for lessons.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials for specific courses or programs. This course is useful to a Curriculum Developer, especially one focused on science or physics. The course's content, designed for both high school and AP levels, provides an excellent example of a structured approach to teaching DC circuits. The progression from basic concepts and worked examples to more advanced concepts is an excellent model, and the detailed content on series, parallel, and combination circuits is applicable to any number of learning environments. The inclusion of multiple choice questions and demonstration may also provide useful inspiration. If you create curricula, this course's content may be useful to you.
Solar Panel Installer
A Solar Panel Installer installs and maintains solar panel systems. This course may be useful to a Solar Panel Installer, as it covers many of the basics of electric circuits, which are important in solar panel systems. The course's in-depth coverage of DC circuits, combined with the analysis of series and parallel circuits, provides a solid foundation for understanding how solar systems function. The course helps those working with equipment in this field, where an understanding of DC circuitry is a necessity. A solar installer will need to have this as part of their knowledge base.
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. This course may be useful to Electrical Engineers because it provides a strong foundation in DC circuits, which is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering. The course's focus on series and parallel circuits, as well as the use of Kirchhoff's Laws, helps build a foundation useful for analyzing and creating electrical systems. Understanding the principles behind basic circuits helps engineers to understand more complex electrical systems. The emphasis on problem-solving, calculations, and real-world applications also aligns well with the practical aspects of electrical engineering.
Robotics Technician
A Robotics Technician builds, tests, and maintains robots. This course may be useful to a technician working with robotics. The course's content on DC circuits helps build an important foundation for understanding how the electrical systems of robots work. The knowledge of series, parallel, combination circuits and Kirchhoff’s Laws may provide a means of troubleshooting or developing robot circuitry. The combination of theory and worked examples in the course may be useful to a technician in developing a deeper understanding of the components. If you want to work with robot electronics, this course helps build that knowledge.
Engineering Technician
An Engineering Technician assists engineers in the design, development, and testing of products and systems. The course's deep dive into DC circuits builds a necessary foundation for Engineering Technicians since they may work with electrical systems. The course covers topics such as series and parallel circuits, as well as the use of Kirchhoff's laws. The emphasis on calculations and worked-out examples provide real-world practical skills. Therefore this course may be very useful in understanding how electrical systems operate. This course may be helpful for engineering technicians who want to understand how electrical systems work.
Electronics Technician
An Electronics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs electronic equipment. This course may be useful for an aspiring Electronics Technician because the course provides a foundation in DC circuits, which are essential for understanding electronic devices. The hands-on approach of the course, with demonstrations and worked examples, is beneficial in developing practical skills for troubleshooting and repairing circuits. The course's focus on series, parallel, and combination circuits also helps in understanding the components of various electronic circuits. A person who wants to be an electronics tech can use the material here to improve hands-on skills in the field.
Renewable Energy Specialist
A Renewable Energy Specialist focuses on the development, implementation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems. This course may be useful to a Renewable Energy Specialist, as it covers many of the basics of electric circuits, which are important in renewable energy systems such as solar panels. The course's in-depth coverage of DC circuits and their manipulation may provide a strong base for understanding the electrical engineering aspect of renewable technology. An understanding of series and parallel circuits, specifically, would be helpful to one working with solar or battery technology. The course builds the kind of intuitive understanding that a renewable energy specialist could use.
Appliance Repairer
An Appliance Repairer diagnoses and repairs household appliances. This course helps an Appliance Repairer because it provides fundamental knowledge about electrical circuits. Many appliances contain DC circuits, and the course's explanation of series and parallel circuits may give a foundation for diagnosing electrical problems. The ability to understand circuit diagrams and troubleshoot electrical issues is a key component of the appliance repairer's work. While the course provides an academic view, the basics of circuit analysis are the same regardless of discipline. If you work on appliances, this course provides the fundamentals.
Automotive Technician
An Automotive Technician repairs and maintains vehicles, including their electrical systems. This course may be useful to Automotive Technicians since modern vehicles include a variety of direct current circuits. The understanding of series, parallel and combination circuits, as covered in the course, may be very useful in electrical diagnosis and repair. The course may help in understanding the workings of an automotive electrical system, especially where it comes to sensors and controls. The course may be useful to those with a background in mechanical systems who want to learn more about the electrical systems in automobiles.
Engineering Professor
An Engineering Professor is a postsecondary educator, researcher, and mentor to students in engineering. This course may be useful to an Engineering Professor, especially those who teach or research in electrical or computer engineering, because it provides a thorough review of DC circuits. The course's in-depth coverage of DC circuit fundamentals, including series and parallel circuits, and Kirchhoff’s Laws, offers a means of thinking about DC circuits. The detailed material can be used to help develop teaching content or even to refresh an expert's knowledge of the fundamentals. A focus on the basics is helpful at any level of an engineering career. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.
Laboratory Technician
A Laboratory Technician performs tests and experiments using scientific equipment. This course may be useful to a Laboratory Technician, especially if they will be working with electrical equipment. A basic understanding of DC circuits is important when operating or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and this course may help build that understanding. An understanding of series and parallel circuits, as well as the concepts behind Kirchhoff’s Laws may make the technicians more effective in their work. If your lab uses electrical equipment, this may help.
Telecommunications Technician
A Telecommunications Technician installs and maintains telecommunications equipment. This course may be helpful to a Telecommunications Technician. The course covers direct current circuits, which are part of the telecommunications systems. The course's focus on series, parallel, and combination circuits helps technicians understand signal flow and troubleshoot problems with circuits. This basic level knowledge is important for a technician who must know the basics of their equipment. The course material may be helpful for anyone seeking to work in this field.
Power Systems Operator
A Power Systems Operator monitors and controls the flow of electricity through power grids. This course may be helpful to a Power Systems Operator, since many power systems contain DC circuits, and a foundational understanding of circuits is key to a general overview of the grid. The course covers basic circuits, series and parallel circuits, and Kirchhoff's Laws, which all help to build an understanding of electricity. Although power systems use AC as opposed to DC, the fundamental principles are the same. This course may be helpful for anyone working with power or electricity.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Physics - DC Circuits - High School and AP Physics.
Provides a concise and clear explanation of basic electricity concepts, including DC circuits. It valuable resource for students who need a quick review of the fundamentals or want to practice solving problems. The book is filled with solved problems and practice exercises, making it an excellent tool for self-study and exam preparation. It is particularly helpful in providing background or prerequisite knowledge.
Comprehensive guide to electronics, covering a wide range of topics from basic circuit theory to advanced design techniques. It provides a practical approach to learning electronics, with numerous examples and hands-on projects. While it goes beyond the scope of a high school DC circuits course, it serves as an excellent reference for students who want to delve deeper into the subject and is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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