Series Circuits

• What is a common point of confusion in exams regarding circuits?

  The differences between series and parallel circuits
• How are components connected in a series circuit?

  All components are connected one after the other
• What is the structure of a parallel circuit?

  It contains more than one loop
• How does the configuration of circuits affect measurements?

  It changes how we measure current, voltage, and resistance
• What happens if one component in a series circuit is disconnected?

  • The whole circuit stops working
  • This is a significant downside
  • Few devices are connected in series
• How is the potential difference shared in a series circuit?

  It is shared across all components
• If a battery has a potential difference of 12 volts, what is the total voltage across two lamps?

  It must add up to 12 volts
• If one lamp in a series circuit measures 8 volts, what is the voltage across the other lamp?

  4 volts
• What is the voltage across identical lamps in a series circuit with a 12-volt battery?

  6 volts across each lamp
• How is current measured in a circuit?

  Using an ammeter placed in series
• What is true about current in a series circuit?

  It is the same everywhere in the circuit
• How can we calculate current using Ohm's law?

  By dividing total voltage by total resistance
• What is the formula for total resistance in a series circuit?

  Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances
• If one lamp has a resistance of 4 ohms and another has 2 ohms, what is the total resistance?

  6 ohms
• How do you calculate current if the total resistance is 6 ohms and the potential difference is 12 volts?

  Current is 2 amps
• Why can we ignore the resistance of ammeters in calculations?

  They generally have tiny resistances
• How do you find the voltage across a single component in a circuit?

  Using Ohm's law with current and resistance
• If the current is 2 amps and the resistance is 2 ohms, what is the voltage across that component?

  4 volts
• How can you find the voltage across a component if you know the total voltage?

  By subtracting the known voltage from total voltage
• How do voltmeters connect in a circuit?

  They connect in parallel across components
• What is a key point about components with greater resistance?

  They have a higher share of the voltage
• Why does a 4-ohm resistor have 8 volts while a 2-ohm resistor has 4 volts?

  More force is needed for higher resistance
• What are the key characteristics of series circuits?

  • Single loop configuration
  • Components connected one after the other
  • Current is the same throughout
  • Total voltage is shared among components
  • If one component fails, the circuit stops
• What are the key characteristics of parallel circuits?

  • Multiple loops configuration
  • Components connected across the same voltage source
  • Current can vary among components
  • If one component fails, others continue to work