P2.1.4 - Series and Parallel Circuits

Question 1

Identify the potential difference across each component in the parallel circuit. What is the rule?

Answer 1

Both are 6V

The potential difference across each component in a parallel circuit is the same as the potential difference (rating) of the battery.

Question 2

A parallel circuit contains ______ or more loops

Answer 2

2

Question 3

Identify the potential difference across each component in the series circuit. What is the rule?

Answer 3

Both are 3 V

The potential difference of every component in a series circuit adds up the the potential difference (rating) of the battery.

Question 4

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 4

Series Circuit

Question 5

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 5

Series Circuit

Question 6

What makes parallel circuits more useful than series circuits? (the diagram may help)

Answer 6

• If one bulb breaks, the other bulbs will stay on.
• All bulbs are the same brightness.
• You can control each bulb by putting a separate switch in each ‘branch’.

Question 7

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 7

Series Circuit

Question 8

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 8

Parallel Circuits

Question 9

What happens to the current at the branch after A2?

What will the current at A4 read?

Answer 9

It recombines with the current travelling from A3.

So the current at A4 will be 1 A, the same as the current coming out of the battery.

Question 10

What happens to the current when it reaches the branch after A1?

What will the current be at A2 and A3?

Answer 10

The current is shared between the two branches.

0. 5 A at A2
1. 5 A at A3

Question 11

What happens to the current in a parallel circuit if you add more branches?

Answer 11

The current in each branch stays the same.

The total current being pushed by the battery increases.

Question 12

In which direction does current (charge per second) travel around a circuit?

Answer 12

From the positive side of a cell or battery, to the negative side (if conventional current).

From negative to positive (if talking about direction electrons travel)

Question 13

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 13

2 Parallel Circuits

Question 14

A series circuit contains ____ loop

Answer 14

1

Question 15

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 15

Parallel Circuits

Question 16

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 16

Parallel Circuits

Question 17

Name the 2 types of circuit.

Answer 17

Series Circuit

Parallel Circuit

Question 18

Identify the type of circuit shown.

Answer 18

Parallel Circuit

Question 19

What happens to the current (charge per second) flowing through a circuit as you add more components.

Answer 19

The current will get smaller.

Question 20

Describe the current that ammeter’s A1, A2 and A3 will show.

Answer 20

The current (charge flow per second) is the same throughout a series circuit.

All ammeters will show the same value.