Series & Parallel Circuits

Front

What is a series circuit?

Back

A series circuit is a circuit that has only one path for current (charge flow) to travel.

Front

What is a parallel circuit?

Back

A parallel circuit is a circuit that has more than one path for current (charge flow) to travel.

Front

What happens in a series circuit if one component fails?

Back

If one component fails in a series circuit, the entire circuit stops functioning.

Front

What happens in a parallel circuit if one component fails?

Back

If one component fails in a parallel circuit, the other components can still function.

Front

Which circuit configuration typically has brighter bulbs?

Back

Parallel circuits typically have brighter bulbs because each bulb receives the full voltage.

Front

What is the total resistance in a series circuit?

Back

The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances.

Front

What is the total resistance in a parallel circuit?

Back

The total resistance in a parallel circuit is less than the smallest individual resistance.

Front

How does voltage behave in a series circuit?

Back

In a series circuit, the total voltage is divided among the components.

Front

How does voltage behave in a parallel circuit?

Back

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each component is the same.

Front

What is the formula for calculating total resistance in a parallel circuit?

Back

1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...