Chapter 18 Workbook - Circuit Types and Ohm’s Law

Which of the following is a closed electrical path for current?

• Wire

• Diagram

• Circuit

• Conductor

Answer explanation

A circuit is a closed electrical path that allows current to flow. While wires and conductors are components of a circuit, the term 'circuit' specifically refers to the complete loop necessary for current to travel.

Identify the electric circuit types in the following illustrations.

• Series-Parallel Circuit

• Circuit 'B'

• Parallel Circuit

• Circuit 'A'

• Series Circuit

• Circuit 'C'

A ____ circuit has only one path for current.

Answer explanation

A series circuit has only one path for current to flow. This means that if one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted, making 'series' the correct answer.

If a string of lights is wired in ____, one burned-out bulb will not affect the operation of the other bulbs in the circuit.

• parallel

• horizontal

• vertical

• series

Answer explanation

In a parallel circuit, each bulb operates independently. If one bulb burns out, the others continue to function, unlike in a series circuit where one burned-out bulb stops the entire circuit. Thus, the correct answer is 'parallel'.

A frame-ground circuit uses the vehicle’s ____ to return electricity to the power source.

• chassis/frame

• windshield

• electrical system

• tires

Answer explanation

A frame-ground circuit relies on the vehicle's chassis/frame to return electricity to the power source, making it the correct choice. The chassis/frame serves as a conductive path for electrical current.

The positive battery cable is bolted to the vehicle frame or body to allow the metal structure of the vehicle to serve as a large conductor to carry current.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because the positive battery cable is typically connected to the battery and not bolted to the vehicle frame. The frame serves as a ground, while the positive cable carries current directly from the battery.

Which wire carries current to the load in a complete electric circuit?

• Emission wire.

• Ground wire.

• Cold wire.

• Power wire.

Answer explanation

The power wire is responsible for carrying current to the load in a complete electric circuit, providing the necessary energy for operation. Other options like ground and cold wires do not serve this function.

All of the following statements regarding Ohm’s law and the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in an electric circuit are true except ____.

• Any change in the circuit’s current is a result of increased or decreased voltage or resistance

• If resistance is high in the circuit, current will be low

• Excessive or insufficient current in a circuit will not affect the operation of the load

• A drop in voltage in the circuit will decrease current

Answer explanation

The statement "Excessive or insufficient current in a circuit will not affect the operation of the load" is false. In reality, both excessive and insufficient current can damage or prevent proper operation of the load.

Most automotive electrical problems are caused by a change in circuit resistance.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Most automotive electrical issues arise from changes in circuit resistance, affecting the flow of electricity and leading to malfunctions.

In electric current, 1 amp equals ____.

• 1,000 milliamps

• 10 megaamps

• 100 milliamps

• 0.001 megaamps

Answer explanation

1 amp is equal to 1,000 milliamps because 1 milliamp is one-thousandth of an amp. Therefore, to convert amps to milliamps, you multiply by 1,000, making the correct answer 1,000 milliamps.