Series and Parallel Circuits

A series circuit has ____ path(s) that the electric current can take.

• one

• two

• three

How many path(s) does the parallel have?

• has only one path for current to travel

• does not allow electricity to travel through it

• has more than one path for current to travel

This is needed in a circuit to start the electrons moving.

• battery

• switch

• wire

This is an example of a _______ circuit

• open

• series

• parallel

• switch

If one bulb goes out in a series circuit, the remaining bulbs...

• also go out

• get brighter

• get dimmer

• explode, leaving shards of glass everywhere

The picture shows an electrical circuit. This circuit is a series circuit because: 

• It has 3 light bulbs.

• The same current flows through all three light bulbs.

• It uses a single battery.

• The electrical current is divided between the three light bulbs.

The picture shows an electrical circuit. This circuit is a series circuit because:

• It has 3 light bulbs.

• The same current flows through all three light bulbs.

• It uses a single battery.

• The electrical current is divided between the three light bulbs.

A parallel circuit

• has only one path for current to travel

• has more than one path for current to travel

• does not allow electricity to travel through it

• has magnets that cause electric current

As you continue to add lightbulbs in series, what happens?

• The bulbs get brighter

• The bulbs get dimmer

• The bulbs remain the same brightness

• The bulbs explode and shards of glass get everywhere

Current is measured in

• Volts

• Watts

• Seconds

• Amps