7.6 Series circuits

Question 1

What is a series circuit?

Answer 1

A circuit that is connected in a line

Question 2

What is a key disadvantage of a series circuit?

Answer 2

If one component is removed or dosconnected, the whole circuit stops working

Question 3

When are series circuits best used?

Answer 3

Used to test and measure components as the potential difference, current and resistance are easy to change and measure

Question 4

HOw do you calculate the total potential difference in a circuit

Answer 4

Add up the potential differences of all the cells

or

Add up the potential differences across each component in the circuit

Question 5

State the equation of the total potential difference in a circuit

Answer 5

V(total) = V1 + V2 + V3 + …

Where V(total) is the total circuit p.d.

V1 is the p.d. across component 1, etc.

Question 6

How does the current change in a series circuiit

Answer 6

The current remains the same through all parts of a series circuit

I (total) = I1 = I2 = …

Question 7

How do you calculate the total resistance in a series circuit

Answer 7

R (total) = R1 + R2 + …

Where R(total) is the total resistance

R1 is the resistance of component 1 etc.