P2.1.4 - Series and Parallel Circuits Flashcards
Identify the potential difference across each component in the parallel circuit. What is the rule?
Both are 6V
The potential difference across each component in a parallel circuit is the same as the potential difference (rating) of the battery.
A parallel circuit contains ______ or more loops
2
Identify the potential difference across each component in the series circuit. What is the rule?
Both are 3 V
The potential difference of every component in a series circuit adds up the the potential difference (rating) of the battery.
Identify the type of circuit shown.
Series Circuit
Identify the type of circuit shown.
Series Circuit
What makes parallel circuits more useful than series circuits? (the diagram may help)
- 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’.
Identify the type of circuit shown.
Series Circuit
Identify the type of circuit shown.
Parallel Circuits
What happens to the current at the branch after A2?
What will the current at A4 read?
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.
What happens to the current when it reaches the branch after A1?
What will the current be at A2 and A3?
The current is shared between the two branches.
- 5 A at A2
- 5 A at A3
What happens to the current in a parallel circuit if you add more branches?
The current in each branch stays the same.
The total current being pushed by the battery increases.
In which direction does current (charge per second) travel around a circuit?
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)
Identify the type of circuit shown.
2 Parallel Circuits
A series circuit contains ____ loop
1
Identify the type of circuit shown.
Parallel Circuits