(2) Series and Parallel Circuits

Question 1

Name 2 different types of circuit

Answer 1

1. Series (one loop for current to flow)
2. Parallel (more than one loop/route)

Question 2

How does P.D vary between series and parallel circuits?

Answer 2

Series- potential difference is shared between each component

Parallel- potential difference across each component is the same

Question 3

Describe the current in a series circuit

Answer 3

The current is the same at all positions since the charge only has 1 path to go down

Question 4

Describe the current in a parallel circuit

Answer 4

The current is shared between the different branches, if the charge reaches a junction it splits

Question 5

If 2 resistors are connected in (series/parallel) what can be said about their total resistance?

Answer 5

Series- their total combined resistance is equal to the sum of the two individual resistances
(R total= R1 + R2)

Parallel- their total resistance is less than the smallest of the two individual resistances

(Because there are more ‘pathways’ for it to take)

Question 6

Equation for the total resistance of two components in a series circuit

Answer 6

Total resistance of two components= R1 + R2

Question 7

Why is it a good idea to connect lamps in parallel?

Answer 7

If one bulb blows the others will be unaffected

Question 8

Why does adding resistors to a series circuit increase the total resistance?

Answer 8

Because the current is the same in every single component in the circuit, so the more resistors added the harder it is for current to flow