Series and Parallel Circuits Flashcards
How are components connected in a series circuit?
Where would the voltmeter go?
What happens if you remove or disconnect one component?
In series, next to each other
In parallel
The circuit is broken and they all stop/switch off
What happens to the P.D in a series circuit?
So the voltages always ….. …. to the …. of the ….
It is shared between the components V= V1 + V2 + V3
add up to the voltage of the battery
What happens to the current in a series circuit?
The size of the current is determined by what?
It stays the same everywhere, A1 = A2
The total P.D of the cells and the total resistance of the circuit
What is the resistance in a series circuit?
The bigger the resistance of a component the …. its share of the ….
The sum of the resistances of all the components.
R = R1 + R2 + R3
bigger, P.D
How much voltage is there if there are two batteries connected in a series circuit in the same way both with a voltage of 6?
12V
What are connected in series?
What happens if one breaks?
What is the advantage?
Fairy lights
The whole string goes out
The bulbs are very small because the 230V is spread out across the whole string, so each bulb has a very small P.D
What is the main difference between a parallel circuit and series circuit (refer only to parallel)?
What will happen if you remove one component?
Why is this good in a car or house?
All the components in a parallel circuit are connected separately to the +ve and -ve supply of electricity.
Nothing, the others won’t be effected much
Objects can be switched off independently
What is the P.D like in a parallel circuit for the components?
What does this mean for three identical bulbs on different loops?
All the components get the same voltage - V1 = V2 = V3
The all have the same brightness as they have the same voltage.
What is the current like in a parallel circuit for the components?
What happens at the branch junctions to the current?
If two identical components are placed in parallel then how much will their currents be in comparison?
It’s shared between the branches, the total current flowing around the circuit is equal to the total of all the currents flowing through the separate components.
Nothing, the total current in = current out the other side
The same
What are exceptions to the parallel circuits rules?
Ammeters and voltmeters
How are ammeters always connected in both types of circuits?
In series
How are voltmeters always connected in both types of circuits?
In parallel with the component
In an example parallel circuit how much is the P.D in one branch in comparison to the other?
how much is the current in one branch in comparison to the other?
The current through the battery is the same as what? ( link to Q2)
It’s the same
Different due to the different resistance of components like resistors
The sum of the other currents in the branches
What is the symbol for a motor?
M in a circle
Why is parallel connection essential in a car? (2)
What is the only slight problem?
Everything can be turned on or off separately
Everything gets the full voltage of the battery
If there are too many components, lights may dim, as the battery can’t support full voltage for such a heavy load, but this is very slight.
