PD in Parallel Circuits

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the video on potential difference in parallel circuits?

  You should be able to describe how potential difference changes in parallel circuits.
• What does potential difference tell us about in a circuit?

  It tells us about energy transfers taking place in a circuit.
• What does a potential difference of one volt mean?

  It means that one Joule of energy is transferred for each coulomb of charge moving through the circuit.
• What is the potential difference of the cell in the series circuit mentioned?

  The potential difference of the cell is 9 volts.
• How is potential difference distributed in series circuits?

  In series circuits, potential difference is split between components.
• What is a characteristic of parallel circuits regarding branches?

  Parallel circuits have branches where some of the current passes through each branch.
• How can you measure the potential difference across the cell in a parallel circuit?

  You can measure it using a voltmeter.
• What is the potential difference measured across the cell in the example given?

  The potential difference is 6 volts.
• What does a potential difference of 6 volts indicate about the current in the circuit?

  It indicates that the current is carrying six Joules of energy per coulomb of charge.
• What is the potential difference across the top lamp in the parallel circuit example?

  The potential difference across the top lamp is 6 volts.
• What is the potential difference across the bottom lamp in the parallel circuit example?

  The potential difference across the bottom lamp is also 6 volts.
• How does potential difference in parallel circuits compare to that in series circuits?

  In parallel circuits, the potential difference across each component is the same.
• What can you conclude about the potential difference across components in a parallel circuit?

  • The potential difference across each component is the same.
  • This is different from series circuits where potential difference is divided.
• If the potential difference across the bottom lamp is 12 volts, what is the potential difference across the top lamp and the cell in a parallel circuit?

  The potential difference across the top lamp and the cell is also 12 volts.
• In the example with two lamps in series and one lamp in parallel, what is the total potential difference across the bottom branch?

  The total potential difference across the bottom branch is the same as the branch above, which is 9 volts.
• What is the potential difference across the right-hand lamp in the example with two lamps in series?

  The potential difference across the right-hand lamp is 7 volts.
• If the right-hand lamp has a potential difference of 7 volts, what must be the potential difference across the left-hand lamp in the same branch?

  The potential difference across the left-hand lamp must be 2 volts.
• What would the reading be if a voltmeter is placed across both of the bottom lamps in the example?

  The total potential difference would read 9 volts.
• What should you be able to do by the end of the video regarding potential difference in parallel circuits?

  You should be able to calculate potential difference in parallel circuits.
• What resources are available for further practice on potential difference in parallel circuits?

  • Vision workbook with plenty of questions on potential difference in parallel circuits.
  • Access through a link provided in the video.