series and parallel circuits

includes kirchhoff's first and second law

describe p.d. in a parallel circuit

The potential difference of all the components in each branch is equal to the emf of the power supply.

describe current in a parallel circuit

The current is distributed throughout the branches

describe resistance in a parallel circuit

The total resistance is smaller than the resistance in any individual branch.

describe cells in a parallel circuit

The total potential difference across the arrangement is the same as the p.d. for one cell.

describe potential difference in a series circuit

Emf is split between components. The amount depends on the resistance.

describe current in a series circuit

Current is the same for all components.

describe resistance in a series circuit

The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistance

describe cells in a series circuit

The total potential difference is the sum of the individual cells.

what is kirchhoff's second law

At a junction in a circuit, the total current that leaves the junction is the same as the current before entering the junction.

what is conservation of charge?

charge is never used up in a circuit

what is kirchhoff's second law?

The total emf in a closed circuit is equal to the total potential difference in the circuit.

why are parallel circuits used?

Parallel circuits are used in home wiring because one power supply can be used for all the household appliances at the same voltage. If one light breaks then the current still flows through, meaning the whole circuit doesn’t have to be replaced.