Series vs Parallel circuits

What is the rule for current in a Series circuit?

Current is the same EVERYWHERE

What is the rule for voltage in a series circuit?

The total voltage is shared between the components.

What happens to the total resistance when you add more components in series?

The total resistance increases.

What is the rule for voltage in a parallel circuit?

The voltage is the same across each branch.

What is the rule for current in a parallel circuit?

The total current Splits up at junctions.

What happens to the total resistance when you add a new branch in parallel?

The total resistance decreases.

 How can you tell a circuit is series?

There is only one single path for current.

How can you tell a circuit is parallel?

The wire splits into two or more paths.

Why does the total resistance INCREASE in a Series but DECREASE in a Parallel?

In a Series circuit current has only one path for flow so total resistance sums up (INCREASES). In a Parallel circuit current has multiple paths to flow making it easier for current to flow with more paths available it is easier for the total current to flow, so the overall resistance decreases 

What happens if a bulb breaks in a Series Circuit?

All the other bulbs go out, the circuit is broken

What happens when a bulb breaks in a Parallel Circuit?

The other bulbs stay on Parallel circuits are INDEPENDENT they have their own loop.