Comparing series and parallel circuits

Science

about the properties of electric fields, moving electric charge, and how to analyse series and parallel electrical circuits.

In the Series circuits unit, pupils learnt about static electricity (electric charge), setting up series circuits using circuit diagrams, finding and replacing faulty components, and the rules for electric current and voltage in series circuits.

Resistance and parallel circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

The other components will have higher voltages across them.

What will happen in a series circuit if a component (such as a resistor) is removed and the circuit is connected up again?

The current pushed round a circuit with two 1.5 V cells connected in series is 0.4 A. 
What current will be pushed round if a third, identical cell is added in series?

Lamps 1 and 3 will go off but lamps 4 and 5 will stay lit.

Lamps 4 and 5 will go off but lamps 1 and 3 will stay lit.

What will happen to the other lamps in the circuit shown if lamp 2 'blows'?

All of the lamps in the circuit shown are identical. What is the voltage across lamp 5? 

All of the lamps in the circuit shown are identical. What is the voltage across lamp 2? 

The voltage across all components will increase.

The current through all components will decrease.

The resistance of the whole circuit will increase.

Which of the following changes occur as more resistors are added to a series circuit?

The ammeter is measuring the current through the resistor.

The ammeter is measuring the current through the lamp.

The ammeter causes the lamp to light brightly.

Which of the following statements about the ammeter in the circuit shown is correct?

The ammeter is measuring the current through the cell, resistor and lamp.

The ammeter is measuring the current through the resistor and the lamp.

The ammeter should only have two connections.

The ammeter is measuring the current through the cell.

The current in the 8 $$\Omega$$ branch is higher than in the 4$$\Omega$$ branch.

The current in the 8 $$\Omega$$ branch is lower than in the 4 $$\Omega$$ branch.

The current in the 8 $$\Omega$$ branch is the same as in the 4$$\Omega$$ branch.

Which of the following statements about the current in the branches of a parallel circuit is correct?

The current through the branch will remain the same.

The current through the branch will increase.

The current through the branch will decrease.

What will happen to the current through a parallel circuit branch if one 6 $$\Omega$$ resistor in it is replaced with two 3 $$\Omega$$ lamps in series?

What will happen to the current through the cell in the following circuit if another lamp is added in parallel, as shown?

It will increase the voltage, resistance and current.

Which of the following changes occur if branches with components on them are added to a parallel circuit?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Comparing series and parallel circuits

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.