Potential difference in Parallel

• What should you be able to describe by the end of the video?

  How potential difference changes in parallel circuits
• What does a potential difference of one volt indicate?

  One Joule of energy per Coulomb of charge
• What is the potential difference of the cell in the series circuit example?

  9 volts
• How is potential difference distributed in series circuits?

  It is split between components
• What is a characteristic of parallel circuits?

  They have branches with current passing through each
• How can you measure potential difference across a cell?

  Using a voltmeter
• What is the potential difference measured across the cell in the parallel circuit example?

  6 volts
• What does a potential difference of 6 volts indicate about the current?

  It carries six Joules of energy per Coulomb
• What is the potential difference across the top lamp in the parallel circuit?

  6 volts
• What is the potential difference across the bottom lamp in the parallel circuit?

  6 volts
• How does potential difference in parallel circuits compare to series circuits?

  It is the same across each component
• If the potential difference across the bottom lamp is 12 volts, what is the potential difference across the top lamp?

  12 volts
• In the example with two lamps in series, what is the total potential difference across the bottom branch?

  9 volts
• What is the potential difference across the right-hand lamp if it measures 7 volts?

  7 volts
• What must the potential difference across the left-hand lamp be if the right-hand lamp has 7 volts?

  2 volts
• What does the total potential difference read when measuring across both bottom lamps?

  9 volts
• What is the same as the potential difference across the branch above in the example?

  The total potential difference across the bottom branch
• What are the key facts about potential difference in parallel circuits?

  • Potential difference is the same across each component
  • Measured using a voltmeter
  • Current can pass through multiple branches
• How do you calculate potential difference in parallel circuits?

  1. Identify the potential difference across one component
  2. Recognize it is the same for all components in parallel
  3. Use voltmeters to measure as needed