Series and parallel circuits

Question 1

Current in series and parallel circuits

Answer 1

• Current in series circuits is the same across all components
• Current in parallel circuits is split across the different branches. The amount of current in each branch is dependent on the total resistance of the components within the branch

Question 2

Potential difference in series and parallel circuits

Answer 2

• In series, the EMF of the power suply is shared out amongst all the components in different amounts, depending on the resistance
• In parallel, the EMF of all the components in each branch is equal to the EMF of the power supply

Question 3

Cells connected in series or parallel

Answer 3

• If cells are connected in series, the total voltage is the sum of the voltage of all the cells
• If connected in parallel, the total voltage is the same as for one cell

Question 4

What is Kirchhoff’s first law

Answer 4

• The sum of the currents entering a junction always equals the sum of the currents exiting the junction (parallel circuit)

Question 5

What is the conservation of charge

Answer 5

• Charge is never used up or lost in a circuit

Question 6

What is Kirchhoff’s second law

Answer 6

• The total EMF in a closed circuit equals the sum of the potential differences across each component

Question 7

Kirchhoff’s second law in parallel circuits

Answer 7

• The total voltage of each closed circuit loop is equal the total EMF of the circuit
• Each closed loop circuit acts as its own independent series circuit