Parallel circuits

• What are parallel circuits characterized by?

  More than one loop with single components
• Why are parallel circuits more useful than series circuits?

  Components have their own loops, maintaining circuit integrity
• What happens if one component in a parallel circuit breaks?

  The overall circuit remains intact
• What is the potential difference across components in a parallel circuit?

  All components get the full source potential difference
• If a circuit has a 12 volt battery, what is the voltage across each component?

  12 volts across each component
• How is current shared in a parallel circuit?

  Current is shared between all loops
• If a circuit with two loops has a total of 4 amps, how might the current be distributed?

  3 amps in one loop, 1 amp in another
• What determines how current splits in a parallel circuit?

  The resistance of individual components
• How does resistance affect current flow in parallel circuits?

  Higher resistance loops take a lower share of current
• How can you visualize current flow in a parallel circuit?

  As water flowing down paths of varying resistance
• What happens to total resistance when more components are added in parallel?

  Total resistance decreases with more components
• Why does adding more loops in parallel decrease overall resistance?

  It increases options for current flow
• How can you think of resistance in terms of water flow?

  More routes for water flow reduce resistance
• What is the relationship between loops and resistance in parallel circuits?

  More loops lead to lower overall resistance
• What are the key characteristics of parallel circuits?

  • More than one loop
  • Each loop contains a single component
  • Full source potential difference across components
  • Current is shared among loops
  • Total resistance decreases with more components
• How does current behave in a parallel circuit with varying resistances?

  • Current splits based on resistance
  • Lower resistance loops receive more current
  • Higher resistance loops receive less current
• What is the effect of adding components in parallel on total resistance?

  • Total resistance decreases
  • More paths for current flow
  • Even high resistance components lower overall resistance