Series and Parallel Circuits: Key Concepts and Household Wiring

What is a series circuit?

A circuit where components are connected one after the other in a single path.

What happens if one part of a series circuit fails?

The whole circuit stops working because the current path is broken.

What is a parallel circuit?

A circuit where each component is connected in its own separate conducting path.

What happens if one part of a parallel circuit fails?

The other branches still work because each has its own path to the power source.

Give a real-life example of a parallel circuit.

Car headlights or modern Christmas lights — if one bulb fails, the rest still work.

How is voltage shared in a series circuit?

The total supply voltage is divided across the components according to their resistance.

How is voltage shared in a parallel circuit?

The voltage is the same across all components.

How is current shared in a series circuit?

The same current flows through all components.

How is current shared in a parallel circuit?

The total current is split between the branches depending on their resistance.

How is electricity supplied to household circuits?

Household wiring uses parallel circuits so each appliance gets full voltage.

Why do household circuits use parallel wiring?

So that if one appliance fails, others continue to work, and each gets full supply.

What is the purpose of earthing in household electricity?

To prevent electric shocks by directing fault currents safely to the ground.

What's the difference between 2-pin and 3-pin plugs?

A 2-pin plug has only active and neutral; a 3-pin plug also has an earth pin.