Series & Parallel circuits

Cards (6)

  • Series circuit:
    • closed circuit
    • current only follows a single path
    • current is the same everywhere
    • total resistance is the sum of the resistance of each component (R total= 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + ⋯)
    • potential difference is shared across each component
    • if one thing breaks the circuit will no longer work
  • Parallel circuit:
    • branched circuit
    • current splits into multiple paths (I total = I1 +I2)
    • potential difference is the same on each branch (V total = V1 =V2)
    • if one thing breaks the circuit will still work
  • Adding resistor in series or parallel circuit:
    1. Adding a resistor in a series circuit increases the total resistance
    2. Adding a resistor in a parallel circuit decreases the total resistance
  • In a parallel circuit the total resistance is smaller than the resistance of the smallest resistor
  • How should an ammeter be connect in a circuit?
    Ammeter should be connected in series with the component that is being measured for current running through it
  • How should a voltmeter be connected in a circuit?
    Voltmeters should be connected in parallel to the component that the potential difference is being measured of