Parallel circuits

• What is the main advantage of parallel circuits over series circuits?

  They are more useful and flexible
• How are components connected in parallel circuits?

  Each component connects separately to the supply
• What happens if one component is removed from a parallel circuit?

  It hardly affects the others
• Why must components in cars and household electrics be connected in parallel?

  To allow separate switching on and off
• What is the potential difference across all components in a parallel circuit?

  It is the same as the source potential difference
• What happens to identical bulbs connected in parallel?

  They all have the same brightness
• How is the total current in a parallel circuit determined?

  It equals the sum of currents through components
• What occurs at junctions in a parallel circuit?

  Total current into a junction equals total current out
• What happens when two identical components are connected in parallel?

  The same current flows through each component
• How does adding a resistor in parallel affect total resistance?

  Total resistance decreases
• What is the relationship between the total resistance and the smallest resistor in parallel?

  Total resistance is less than the smallest resistor
• Why does adding another loop in parallel increase total current?

  It provides more than one direction for current
• How does Ohm's Law relate to current and resistance in parallel circuits?

  Increased current leads to decreased resistance
• What happens to the current and resistance when three resistors are connected in parallel with a cell?

  • Total current increases
  • Total resistance decreases
• What is the formula that relates voltage, current, and resistance?

  V = IR