T2 series and parallel circuits

Question 1

the 2 ways that a component can be connected in a circuit

Answer 1

1. series (same loop)

2. parallel (adjacent loop)

Question 2

how does the potential difference across two components vary when connected in series and parallel

Answer 2

S: total PD is shared between each component
P: PD across each component is the same

Question 3

if 2 resistors are connected in parallel, what can be said about their combined total resistance

Answer 3

their total resistance is less than the smallest of the two individual resistances

Question 4

if 2 resistors are connected in series, what can be said about their total resistance

Answer 4

their total combined resistance is equal to the sum of the 2 individual resistances

Question 5

describe the current in a series circuit

Answer 5

in a series circuit, the current is the same at all positions since the charge only has 1 path to flow through

Question 6

describe the current in a parallel circuit

Answer 6

in a parallel circuit, the current is shared between the different branches.

when the charge reaches a junction, it splits

Question 7

how should you connect an ammeter in a circuit to measure current

Answer 7

in series with the component that they are measuring current through

Question 8

how should you connect a voltmeter in a circuit to measure potential difference

Answer 8

in parallel to the component that they are measuring the potential difference of

Question 9

why is it advantageous to connect lamps in parallel

Answer 9

if one lamp blows, the rest will be unaffected and can still receive current