10.3: Series and parallel circuits

What are the three essential parts of an electric circuit?

Power supply resistor and conducting path.

What is a series circuit?

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

What is a parallel circuit?

A circuit where components are connected in separate conducting paths.

What happens if one component fails in a series circuit?

The conducting path breaks and the whole circuit stops working.

What happens if one component fails in a parallel circuit?

The other components continue working.

How does current behave in a series circuit?

The current is the same at all points.

How does voltage behave in a series circuit?

The supply voltage is divided among the components.

How does current behave in a parallel circuit?

Current splits between branches and reunites when they reconnect.

How does voltage behave in a parallel circuit?

The voltage drop is the same across each branch.

How does adding components affect a series circuit?

Resistance increases and current decreases.

How does adding branches affect a parallel circuit?

Total resistance decreases and more current leaves the power supply.

What is an ammeter used to measure and how is it connected?

Measures current (A); connected in series.

What is a voltmeter used to measure and how is it connected?

Measures voltage (V); connected in parallel.

What is parallax error?

An error caused by reading a scale from an angle instead of directly in front.