Series And Parallel Circuits

Question 1

What are series circuits?

Answer 1

Series circuits are circuits that consist of one loop of wire

Question 2

Describe the current in a series circuit

Answer 2

There is the same current through each component

Question 3

Describe the total potential difference in a series circuit

Answer 3

The total potential difference of the power supply is shared between components

Question 4

Describe the total resistance in a series circuit

Answer 4

The total resistance of two components is the sum of the resistance of each component. R total = R1 + R2

Question 5

What are parallel circuits?

Answer 5

Parallel circuit consist of two or more loops of wire

Question 6

Describe the potential difference in parallel circuits

Answer 6

The potential difference across each component is the same

Question 7

Describe the current in parallel circuits

Answer 7

The total current through the whole circuit is the sum of the currents through the separate components on each loop

Question 8

Describe the total resistance in parallel circuits

Answer 8

The total resistance of two resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor