7 - Current and voltage in circuits

Question 1

explain why a series or parallel circuit is more appropriate for particular applications, including domestic lighting

Answer 1

Advantages of parallel circuits:

• Components (e.g. bulbs) may be switched on/off independently.
• If one component breaks, current can still flow through the other parts of the circuit.
• Bulbs maintain a similar brightness.

Advantages of series circuits:

• Fewer wires, cheaper and easier to assemble.
• Uses less power

Question 2

know that lamps and LEDs can be used to indicate the presence of a current in a circuit

Answer 2

A lamp can be added to a circuit to check for a current. If current is flowing, the lamp will light up.

Question 3

what is current
(include equation)

Answer 3

current is rate of flow of charge so I=Q/t

Question 4

know that electric current in solid metallic conductors is a flow of negatively charged electrons

Answer 4

Electrons are negatively charged and free to flow in a metal so carry charge

Question 5

what happens to current at a junction in a circuit

Answer 5

it is conserved.

Question 6

voltage across two components connected in parallel is the same or different?

Answer 6

the same