Series and Parallel Circuits

• What is the current like in a series circuit?

  The current is the same for all components
• How is current distributed in a parallel circuit?

  The current is split across different branches
• What must the total current into a junction equal?

  The total current out of the junction
• What does the amount of current in each branch depend on?

  The total resistance of the components within that branch
• How is the e.m.f shared in a series circuit?

  It is shared among all components in different amounts
• What is the voltage across components in a parallel circuit?

  It is equal to the e.m.f of the power supply
• How can cells be connected in circuits?

  In series or parallel

  
• How do you calculate the total voltage of combined cells in series?

  It is the sum of the potential differences across each cell
• What is the total voltage across cells connected in parallel?

  It is the same as for one cell
• What are the key differences in current, voltage, and resistance in series and parallel circuits?

  • Series Circuit:
  • Current: Same for all components
  • Voltage: Shared among components
  • Resistance: Total resistance increases

  
  

  • Parallel Circuit:
  • Current: Splits across branches
  • Voltage: Equal to e.m.f
  • Resistance: Total resistance decreases

  
• What does conservation of charge state in a circuit?

  Charge is never used up or lost
• What does Kirchhoff's First Law state about currents at a junction?

  The sum of currents entering equals exiting

  
• What is a junction in a circuit?

  A point where at least three paths meet
• What is a branch in a circuit?

  A path connecting two junctions
• If a circuit splits into two branches, what should the current before the split equal?

  The current after it has split
• How does the current behave in a parallel circuit at a junction?

  It divides into different values in branches
• What is the conservation of energy in a circuit?

  Energy is never used up or lost
• What does Kirchhoff's Second Law state about voltage in a closed circuit?

  The total e.m.f equals the sum of potential differences

  
• How is voltage distributed in a series circuit?

  It is split across all components
• What is the voltage in a parallel circuit across each closed loop?

  It is the same as the total e.m.f
• How does a closed-circuit loop behave in a parallel circuit?

  It acts as its own independent series circuit
• Why are parallel circuits useful for home wiring systems?

  They supply the same voltage to all appliances
• What happens if one light breaks in a parallel circuit?

  Voltage and current can still flow through others
• What are common mistakes made in circuit calculations?

  • Assuming current is the same in parallel branches
  • Assuming voltage is the same in series components
  • Ignoring multiple resistors
  • Incorrectly calculating total resistance
  • Voltage sums not equaling e.m.f
  • Current not conserving at junctions
• What should you do to help with circuit diagram calculations?

  Annotate circuit diagrams for clarity
• What does the current I into a junction equal?

  The sum of the currents out of the junction
• What is the current like in a series circuit at each point?

  The current is the same at each point
• How does current behave in a parallel circuit?

  It divides at the junctions
• What is the significance of Kirchhoff’s First Law?

  It applies at each junction in a circuit

  
• What does conservation of energy imply for voltage in a circuit?

  The total e.m.f equals the sum of voltages
• How is voltage distributed in a parallel circuit?

  It is the same across each closed loop
• What happens to the e.m.f in each closed loop of a parallel circuit?

  It equals the total e.m.f of the power supply
• How do closed-circuit loops function in a parallel circuit?

  They separate at a junction
• What is the advantage of having independent series circuits in parallel circuits?

  They allow for continued operation if one fails
• What is the role of a single power source in home wiring systems?

  It supplies the same voltage to all appliances
• What happens to voltage and current if one light breaks in a parallel circuit?

  They can still flow through other lights
• What are the characteristics of series and parallel circuits?

  • Series Circuit:
  • Current: Same throughout
  • Voltage: Shared based on resistance
  • Resistance: Increases with more components

  
  

  • Parallel Circuit:
  • Current: Divided among branches
  • Voltage: Equal across all branches
  • Resistance: Decreases with more branches