Series & Parallel Circuits

Front

What is a series circuit?

Back

A series circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which the components are connected end-to-end, so that the current flows through each component in turn.

Front

What is a parallel circuit?

Back

A parallel circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which the components are connected across common points or junctions, allowing multiple pathways for the current to flow.

Front

What happens to the current in a series circuit when more components are added?

Back

The total resistance increases, which causes the overall current to decrease.

Front

What happens to the brightness of light bulbs in a series circuit when more bulbs are added?

Back

The brightness of each bulb decreases because the total voltage is divided among all the bulbs.

Front

What happens to the other light bulbs in a parallel circuit if one bulb is removed?

Back

The other light bulbs will stay on.

Front

What does resistance in a wire indicate?

Back

Resistance indicates how difficult it is for electrons to flow through the wire.

Front

What is the effect of adding more branches in a parallel circuit?

Back

Adding more branches decreases the total resistance and allows more current to flow.

Front

What is the main characteristic of a series circuit?

Back

In a series circuit, all components share the same current.

Front

What is the main characteristic of a parallel circuit?

Back

In a parallel circuit, all components share the same voltage.

Front

What happens when one light bulb blows out in a series circuit?

Back

The entire circuit is broken, and all the light bulbs go out.