Series and Parallel Circuits - GCSE Higher Physics OCR

These flashcards cover key concepts about series and parallel circuits, including their characteristics, behavior, and practical implications.

What is the main difference between series and parallel circuits in terms of component connection?

In series circuits, components are connected end to end, while in parallel circuits, each component is separately connected to the power supply.

What happens to the total potential difference in a series circuit?

The total potential difference is shared between the various components.

How does the current behave in a series circuit?

The same current flows through all parts of the series circuit.

How is total resistance calculated in a series circuit?

Total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances: R = R₁ + R₂ + R₃.

In a parallel circuit, how is the potential difference across each branch?

The potential difference is the same across all branches.

What happens to the current in a parallel circuit at junctions?

The total current going into a junction equals the total current leaving.

How does adding resistors in parallel affect total resistance?

Total resistance in a parallel circuit is always less than the smallest branch resistance.

What is a practical way to investigate series circuits using bulbs?

Set up a circuit with a bulb, then add bulbs in series and measure voltage and current to observe how brightness changes.

What is the p.d. across each bulb when three identical bulbs are connected in series to a 3.6 V power supply?

The p.d. across each bulb is 1.2 V.

What is the effect of adding bulbs in parallel on their brightness?

The bulbs in parallel do not get dimmer as more bulbs are added, and the p.d. across each remains equal to the source p.d.