Parallel and series circuits

Question 1

In which circuit are components connected one after another

Answer 1

Series

Question 2

In which circuit is current equal through each component and why

Answer 2

1) series circuit

2) no choice of route for charge

Question 3

Why does adding more resistors in a series circuit increase total resistance

Answer 3

Current through resistors is reduced but potential difference is unchanged.

Potential difference
—————————— = resistance
Current

Question 4

How do you calculate the potential difference of the entire supply in a series circuit

Answer 4

Add up the PD across individual components

Question 5

How is potential difference shared unequally throughout a series circuit

Answer 5

The higher the resistance of a component, the bigger share of potential difference it receives

Question 6

How does one calculate the TOTAL resistance in a series circuit

Answer 6

Add up the resistance of the individual components

Question 7

Why is PD across all components the same in a parallel circuit

Answer 7

Because each component is connected across the supply potential difference

Question 8

How can the current through a component in a parallel circuit be calculated

Answer 8

Potential difference
—————————— = current
Resistance

Question 9

How does one calculate the total current through a parallel circuit

Answer 9

The sum of currents through different branches

Question 10

How does adding more resistors DECREASE the total resistance in a parallel circuit

Answer 10

Total current through resistors increases and PD through them remains unchanged

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