Series and parallel circuits

• What are the two types of circuits discussed?

  Series and parallel circuits
• What happens to current in a series circuit?

  The current is the same everywhere
• What happens if one component is removed from a series circuit?

  The circuit is broken and stops working
• How is the total potential difference in a series circuit affected by additional cells?

  It increases with more cells in series
• How is the total resistance calculated in a series circuit?

  It is the sum of individual resistances
• What is the relationship between potential difference and resistance in a series circuit?

  The p.d. is shared based on resistance
• What is the configuration of components in a parallel circuit?

  Each component is separately connected
• What happens if one component is removed from a parallel circuit?

  It hardly affects the others
• Why are most household circuits designed in parallel?

  To allow independent control of components
• What is the potential difference across components in a parallel circuit?

  It is the same across all components
• How is current distributed in a parallel circuit?

  It is shared between branches
• What happens to the total current at a junction in a parallel circuit?

  It must equal the total current leaving
• How does adding a resistor in series affect total resistance?

  Total resistance increases with added resistors
• What is the effect of adding a resistor in parallel on total resistance?

  Total resistance decreases with added resistors
• What is the relationship between potential difference and current in a series circuit with a fixed resistor?

  • As potential difference increases, current increases
  • Relationship follows Ohm's Law: V = IR
• What should you observe when measuring current and potential difference in a parallel circuit with two bulbs?

  • Current through each bulb increases with p.d.
  • Total current is the sum of currents through each branch
  • p.d. across each bulb is equal to the power supply
• What are the key differences between series and parallel circuits?

  Series Circuits:

  • Components connected end to end
  • Current is the same everywhere
  • Total resistance increases with added resistors

  
  

  Parallel Circuits:

  • Components connected separately to supply
  • Current is shared between branches
  • Total resistance decreases with added resistors
• What is the formula relating potential difference, current, and resistance?

  V = I × R
• How does the resistance of a circuit change when a second resistor is added in parallel?

  The total resistance decreases
• What happens to the current through each component in a parallel circuit with identical resistors?

  The same current flows through each component
• What should you do to investigate the properties of series and parallel circuits practically?

  Set up circuits and measure current and p.d.
• What is the effect of increasing potential difference on the current through a filament bulb?

  It shows a non-linear relationship
• How does the total current in a parallel circuit compare to a series circuit with one bulb?

  The total current is larger in parallel
• Why does adding a resistor in parallel lead to a decrease in total resistance?

  It provides more paths for current to flow
• What is the role of ammeters and voltmeters in circuit experiments?

  Ammeter measures current; voltmeter measures p.d.