Current in series circuits

• Series circuit


  A circuit with no branches, where the current can only flow in one path around the circuit
• Electric current


  The flow of electrical charge around a circuit
• Electric current


  • Measured in amperes (A)
  • Represented by an arrow (conventional current)
• Current is never used up in a series circuit, it is the same all the way around the circuit
• Circuit components


  • Cell
  • Lamp
  • Open switch
  • Closed switch
• Scientists use symbols to represent circuit components
• An ammeter is used to measure the electric current in a circuit
• When the switch is closed

  Electrons flow out of the cell and move around the circuit
• Electrons flowing around the circuit

  Transfer electrical energy to the components (e.g. lamp)
• The conventional current is drawn flowing from the positive to the negative terminal of the cell, even though electrons actually flow from negative to positive