Topic 2 Parallel Circuits

Question 1

In parallel circuits all components get the full source of potential difference

Answer 1

So potential is the same across all components

Question 2

In parallel circuits the total current flowing around the circuit is

Answer 2

Equal to the total of all the currents through the separate components

Question 3

The total current going in the junction has to equal

Answer 3

The total current leaving

Question 4

If two identical components are in parallel

Answer 4

The same current will flow through each component

Question 5

What happens if you add a resistor in parallel

Answer 5

Reduces the total resistance

Question 6

If you add 2 resistors in parallel

Answer 6

Their total resistance is less then the resistance of the smallest of the 2 resistors

Question 7

Why is the total resistance less than the resistance of the smallest of the 2 resistors

Answer 7

In parallel so both resistors have same pd as the source
This means the pushing force making current flow is the same as the source pd for each resistor that you add
By adding another loop the current have more directions to go in
This increases total current that can flow around the circuit