Potential difference in series circuits

• Potential difference


  The energy transferred per unit of charge moving through a circuit
• Measuring potential difference


  1. Connect a voltmeter across the component

  2. Read the voltage displayed on the voltmeter
• Potential difference across a cell

  Indicates the total energy transferred per unit of charge moving through the circuit
• Potential difference across a lamp

  Indicates the energy transferred to the lamp per unit of charge moving through it
• Circuits with lamps in series

  • Total potential difference across the circuit is shared between the lamps
  • Lamps are dimmer than a single lamp with the same total potential difference
• Circuits with lamps in series

  • Two identical lamps
  • Two different lamps
• Potential difference across two lamps in series

  Sums to the total potential difference of the cell
• The brighter lamp has a higher potential difference across it
• You will find plenty of questions on potential difference in series circuits in the revision workbook