Chapter 16: D.C Circuits

Question 1

Series

Answer 1

The current at every point is the same

The sum of the potential difference across each component is equal to the potential difference across the whole circuit
The effective resistance is the sum of all the resistances

Question 2

Parallel

Answer 2

The sum of the individual current in each of the parallel branches is equal to the main current flowing into or out of the parallel branches

The potential difference across separate parallel branches is the same

The reciprocal of the effective resistance of resistors in parallel, is equal to the sum of the reciprocal of all the individual resistances

Question 3

Advantages of parallel circuits

Answer 3

Bulbs connected in parallel will glow more brightly than when connected in series

When a bulb in a parallel circuit blows, the other bulbs in the circuit will still work

Question 4

Disadvantage of parallel circuits

Answer 4

The source in a parallel circuit provides a larger power and is depleted more quickly than in a series circuit