Series and Parallel Circuits

Question 1

What are the two ways that a component can be

connected in a circuit?

Answer 1

1. Series (same loop)

2. Parallel (adjacent loop)

Question 2

Voltage is also known as ….

Answer 2

Potential difference

Question 3

How does the potential difference across two
components vary when connected in series and
parallel?

Answer 3

● In a series circuit the total P.D is
shared between each component

● In a parallel circuit the P.D across each component is the same

Question 4

If two resistors are connected in parallel, what can

be said about their combined total resistance?

Answer 4

Their total resistance is less than the
smallest of the two individual
resistances.

Question 5

If two resistors are connected in series, what can be said about their total resistance?

Answer 5

Their total combined resistance is equal to the sum of the two individual resistances

Question 6

Where must a voltmeter be placed in a circuit?

Answer 6

In parallel with the component that is being measured

Question 7

Give an equation relating potential difference with

energy transferred and charge

Answer 7

Potential difference (V) = energy
transferred (J) / charge (C)
V=E/Q

Question 8

Avolt can also be described as a …

Answer 8

Joule per coulomb

Question 9

What is an electric current?

Answer 9

The rate of flow of charge.

Question 10

State the equation linking charge, current and time.

Give the units for the quantities involved

Answer 10

Q = I x t

Charge (Coulombs), Current (Amperes),
Time (Seconds)

Question 11

What can be said about the value of current at any

point in a single closed loop?

Answer 11

Current is the same at all points in a

closed loop.

Question 12

What two factors does the current in a circuit depend

on?

Answer 12

1. Potential Difference (V)

2. Resistance (R)

Question 13

What equation should be used to calculate potential
difference if current and resistance are known? State
the units for all 3 quantities

Answer 13

V = I x R
Potential Difference (V), Current (A),
Resistance (Ω)

Question 14

What is an ammeter and where must it be connected

in a circuit?

Answer 14

An ammeter measures current. It is
placed in series with the component it is
required to measured

Question 15

What happens when current reaches a junction in a

circuit?

Answer 15

Current is conserved; the total current
remains the same and is split between
the two branches