Series and Parallel Circuits

Front

What is a series circuit?

Back

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

Front

What is a parallel circuit?

Back

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

Front

In a series circuit, how does adding more appliances affect the power each appliance receives?

Back

In a series circuit, when more appliances are added, each appliance receives less power because the total voltage is divided among all components.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

In a parallel circuit, what happens to the voltage across each component?

Back

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each component remains the same as the source voltage.

Front

What is the main characteristic of devices in a series circuit?

Back

Devices in a series circuit are either all ON or all OFF; if one device fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.

Front

What is the main characteristic of devices in a parallel circuit?

Back

Devices in a parallel circuit can operate independently; if one device fails, the others can still function.

Front

How does the total current in a parallel circuit compare to the current through each branch?

Back

The total current in a parallel circuit is the sum of the currents through each branch.

Front

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

Back

The total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances: R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 + ...

Front

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

Back

The total resistance in a parallel circuit can be calculated using the formula: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...