Series and Parallel Circuits

• There are two ways of joining electrical components , that is a series or parallel circuit
• What does a series circuit consist of?

  One path for current to flow

  
• What does a Parallel circuit consist of?

  -A parallel circuit consists of two or more components attached along separate branches of the circuit

  
• Series Circuit


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  • In a series circuit:
  • The current is the same at all points ie. through each component
  • The total potential difference of the power supply is shared between the components
  • The total resistance of two components is the sum of the resistance of each component

  
• Parallel Circuits

  -In a parallel circuit:

  • The total current through the whole circuit is the sum of the currents through the separate components
  • The potential difference across each component is the same
  • The total resistance of two resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor

  
• Components of a circuit?


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• What is the Ammeter used for?

  -Used to measure the current in the circuit (A)

  -Always placed in series with the circuit

  
• What is the voltmeter used for?

  -Used to measure the Potential Difference/energy transferred/Work done in a circuit measured in coulombs

  -Placed parallel to the components