Series Circuits

Question 1

Describe series circuits

Answer 1

The different components are connected in a line, end to end, between the +ve and -ve of the power supply (however voltmeters are in parallel)

Question 2

What happens when you remove/disconnect a component from a substance?

Answer 2

The circuit is broken and they all stop

Question 3

Describe potential difference in series circuits

Answer 3

The total P.D of the supply is shared between the various components. So the voltages round a series circuit always add up to equal the source voltage

Question 4

What is the symbol version of p.d in a series circuit?

Answer 4

V = V₁ + V₂ + V₃ ….

Question 5

Describe current in series circuits

Answer 5

1) In a series circuits the same current flows through all parts of the circuit. A₁ = A₂
2) The size of the current is determined by the total P.D of the cells and the total resistance of the circuit (V=IR)

Question 6

Describe resistance in series circuits

Answer 6

1) The total resistance = the sum of all the resistances
R = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ ….
2) The bigger the resistance of a component, the bigger its share of the total p.d

Question 7

Series Circuits:
[ ] is shared
[ ] is the same everywhere
[ ] adds up

Answer 7

Potential difference
Current
Resistance

Question 8

Describe cell voltage in series circuits

Answer 8

Cell voltages add up

1) There is a bigger p.d when more cells are in series, provided the cells are all connected the same way

Question 9

Fairy lights are wired in series. Advantage? Disadvantage?

Answer 9

Ad: The bulbs can be very small because the total 230V is shared out between the, so each bulb has a very small p.d across it
Dis: When one bulb breaks all the bulbs go out