Current in Series and Parallel Circuits

Question 1

how can the current in a component be measured

Answer 1

by connecting an ammeter in series with the component

Question 2

why are ammeters built to have a low resistance

Answer 2

• so that they dont affect the current that they are measuring
• as any form of resistance reduces current

Question 3

what is the current like in a series circuit

Answer 3

it is the same in every component

Question 4

why is the current constant throughout a circuit

Answer 4

• because the rate at which electrons leave a component must be equal to the rate at which it enters
• if not electrons would be lost from the circuit or a traffic jam would occur
• which would go against the conservation of charge

Question 5

what is the conservation of charge

Answer 5

• the idea that there must be equal quantities of positive and negative charge
• in other words, charge is not lost or gained in a closed system