Series and Parallel Circuits Notes

Series and Parallel Circuits

Moving on From Simple Circuits!

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

• Understand the difference in structure of a series and parallel circuit.

• Calculate the expected current and voltage in both series and parallel circuits.

Most Circuits Aren’t ‘Simple’

• Circuits in devices like phones, houses, or game consoles are more complex than simple circuits.

• Two main categories of circuits: series and parallel.

• Current and Voltage behave differently in each type, making it important to understand their properties.

  • Series Circuit

  • Parallel Circuit

The Series Circuit

• Loads or batteries in series are set up next to each other along the same wire.

• Like a TV series watched in order, loads run one after the other in a line.

• Key Questions:

  • What is the rule for Current in a Series Circuit?

  • What is the rule for Voltage in a Series Circuit?

The Parallel Circuit

• Loads or batteries in a circuit are set up ‘in parallel’, they are set up in parallel wires

• Key Questions:

  • What is the rule for current in a Parallel Circuit?

  • What is the rule for voltage in a Parallel Circuit?