Series and Parallel Circuits - Paper 1

Question 1

Describe the nature of current, potential difference and resistance in a series circuit.

Answer 1

• There is the same current through each component.
• The total potential difference of the power supply is shared between the components.
• The total resistance of two components is the sum of the resistance of each component.

Question 2

Describe the nature of current, potential difference and resistance in a parallel circuit.

Answer 2

• The potential difference across each component is the same.
• The total current is the sum of the currents through the separate components.
• The total resistance of two resistors is less than the resistance of the smaller individual resistor.