Parallel Circuits

Question 1

What is a parallel circuit?

Answer 1

A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit where the components are connected in multiple paths. The current can flow through more than one path, which leads to different key differences to a series circuit.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of current in a parallel circuit?

Answer 2

1) In a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of the currents through each branch.
2) The current splits across different branches, so each branch may carry a different current, depending on the resistance in that branch.

Question 3

What is the formula o find the total current in a parallel circuit?

Answer 3

I(total) = I(1) + I(2) + I(3) + …
(Keep in mind that I is the current flowing through the branches for parallel circuit not components.)

Question 4

What are the characteristics of potential difference in a parallel circuit?

Answer 4

1) The voltage across each component in a parallel circuit is the same. This is because all components are connected directly to the power supply.

Question 5

What is the formula for potential difference in a parallel circuit?

Answer 5

V(total) = V(1) = V(2) = V(3) = …

Question 6

What are the characteristics of resistance in a parallel circuit?

Answer 6

1) The total resistance in a parallel circuit is less than the resistance of the smallest resistor in the circuit.
2) The total resistance decreases as more branches are added. Adding more branches provides more paths for the current to flow, reducing overall resistance.

Question 7

What is the rule for current in a parallel circuit?

Answer 7

1) The bigger the resistance of the component, the smaller the current through it. The component that has the biggest resistance passes the smallest current.

Question 8

What is the formula for calculating current in a parallel circuit?

Answer 8

I = V divided by R

Question 9

What is the formula for resistance in a parallel circuit? (two resistors)

Answer 9

1 divided by R(total) = 1 divided by R(1) + 1 divided by R(2) + 1 divided by R(3) + …

Question 10

Does Ohm’s Law apply to parallel circuits?

Answer 10

Ohms Law can still be applied to calculate voltage, current and resistance in individual branches.

Question 11

What are the disadvantages and advantages of parallel circuits?

Answer 11

Advantage:
1) If one component fails the other components continue to work.
2) Each component gets the full voltage of the power supply.
Disadvantage:
1) More complicated design and analyze than series circuits.
2) The total current increases as more branches are added, which can put a strain on power supply.