Electricity (Circuit rules)

Question 1

How does current behave in a series circuit?

Answer 1

Current in an series circuit is the same at all points

I = I1 = I2 = …

Question 2

How does voltage behave in a series circuit?

Answer 2

In a series circuit, the voltage over each component in the circuit adds to the total voltage supplied to the circuit.

V = V1 + V2 + …

Question 3

How does current in a parallel circuit behave?

Answer 3

Current in a parallel circuit splits into different branches then combines again before it goes back into the supply.

I = I1 + I2 + …

When the current splits, the current in each branch after the split adds up to the same as the current just before the split

Question 4

How does voltage behave in a parallel circuit?

Answer 4

Voltage in a parallel circuit is the same at all points

Question 5

How does resistance behave in series?

Answer 5

Total resistance in series is always greater than largest individual resistance.

RT = R1 + R2 + …

Question 6

How does resistance in a parallel circuit behave?

Answer 6

Total resistance in parallel is always smaller than smallest individual resistances, and more than 1 Ω.

1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + …