(Electricity 04) Series and Parallel CIrcuits Flashcards
What is a series circuit?
A series circuit is an electric circuit when the different parts are arranged one after the other.
It has only ONE path.
T or F: The amount of current is the same in all parts of a series circuit. If you add another resistor, it will decrease the current.
True.
What is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit is an electric circuit wherethe different parts are arranged in MORE THAN ONE path.
What is a junction point?
The points where the circuit divides into more than one path.
T or F: An interruption in one path of a parallel circuit does NOT affect the other pathways.
True.
T or F: An interruption in a series circuit does NOT interrupt the circuit.
False.
What is the difference in voltage between a series and parallel circuit?
SERIES: Each load will use a part of the voltage supplied by the battery. (it gets divided)
PARALLEL: Each load uses the full amount of voltage the battery can supply.
What is the difference in current between a series and parallel circuit?
SERIES: The current is always the same throughout the circuit
PARALLEL: The current divides into different paths.
What is the difference in resistance between a series and parallel circuit?
SERIES: The current decreases when more resistors/loads are added.
PARALLEL: Adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance of the circuit.
Why doesn’t voltage divide in a parallel circuit?
Each branch has the same voltage across it since each branch has its own connection to the power source.
Why does voltage divide in a series circuit?
Because there is only one path for current flow.
Ex. if theres a 3V battery and 3 lightbulbs, each bulb receives 1V.
What are combined circuits?
one that has a “combination” of series and parallel paths for the electricity to flow; a circuit with both a series and parallel path.
How are combined circuits helpful?
These combinations help prevent problems such as the fridge turning off in the kitchen when a light in the bedroom is switched off.
