Series and Parallel circuits Flashcards
What is a series circuit?
A circuit with only one loop. (All components are connected “one after another”)
What is a parallel circuit?
A circuit with more than one loop (for the current to flow)
Describe the distribution of current in a series circuit
It is the same eveywhere
Describe the distribution of current in a Parallel circuit
Current is shared between the separate branches.
Describe the distribution of potential difference in a series circuit.
Potential difference is shared between components in the circuit.
Describe the distribution of potential difference in a parallel circuit
The potential difference is the same across each branch.
In a series circuit, how is potential difference shared between the components?
The proportion of the cell’s potential difference across the component is equal to the proportion of the component’s proportion of the total resistance (e.g. half the total resistance, it has half the cell’s potential difference)
State the equation for calculating resistance in a series circuit
Rtotal = R1 + R2 …
How do you calculate total resistance in a series circuit?
Add the resistance of each component in the circuit.
What effect does adding resistors have in a series circuit on the total resistance?
Increases the total resistance
What effect does adding resistors in parallel have on a circuit’s total resistance?
Decreases the total resistance. (The total resistance must be less than the resistance of the smallest resistor)
Why does adding resistors in parallel reduce total resistance?
More paths are made available for current to travel, so there is a greater rate of flow of charge.
For two resistors connected in parallel, the total resistance must be…
…less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor of the two.
What happens if you double to voltage? why?
Th current also doubles as they’re directly proportional
