4.2.2 Series and Parallel Circuits

Question 1

What are the two ways of doing electrical components in a circuit?

Answer 1

in series and parallel

Question 2

For components connected in series:

Answer 2

• there is the same current through each component
• the total potential difference of the power supply is shared between the components
• the total resistance of the two components is the sum of the resistance of each component

Question 3

For components connected in parallel:

Answer 3

• the potential difference across each component is the same
• the total current through the whole circuit is the sum of the currents through the separate branches
• the total resistance of two resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor

Question 4

How does adding a resistor in series affect the circuit’s current?

Answer 4

Adding another resistor in series will increase the total resistance of the circuit and the decrease the total current of the circuit

Question 5

How does adding a resistor in parallel affect the circuit’s resistance and current?

Answer 5

Adding another resistor in parallel will decrease the total resistance in the circuit and increase the total current in the circuit

Question 6

What is the difference in effect of adding resistors in parallel circuits compared to adding resistors in series circuits?

Answer 6

• adding resistors in series circuits increases the total resistance
• adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance as current has additional pathways it can go through making it easier for current to flow through the circuit increasing the current

Question 7

How does adding a resistor in parallel (additional pathway) in a circuit affect its current?

Answer 7

• provides charge with more pathways
• so overall current is greater for same p.d. when resistors are added