An electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.

Two or more cells connected in series form a battery.

An electric circuit with more than one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.

A more formal term for voltage; they can be used interchangeably.

Loops of a parallel circuit

Science

Electrical resistance

Thickness of a wire

Length of a wire

Making parallel circuits

Voltage in parallel circuits

Measuring current in a parallel circuit

Comparing series and parallel circuits

Mains electricity

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.

This unit covers electrical circuits, compares appliance power ratings, and understands domestic fuel use and costs. It explores electric current, potential difference, resistance, and the differences between conductors and insulators, focusing on calculations and applications in circuits.

Resistance and parallel circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A parallel circuit can be made up of separate series circuits.

A series circuit has different current values at different points in it.

Which of the following statements about circuits are correct?

Which of the following circuits is the odd one out?

The lamps will be different brightnesses.

The lamp nearest the cell will get the highest voltage.

The current reduces through each lamp with distance from the cell.

All of the lamps in the circuit shown are identical. Which of the following statements is correct?

What is the voltage of a battery of four 1.5 V cells, connected in the same direction in series?

Which of the following can be used to help explain potential difference?

Which of the following statements about connecting identical cells in parallel is correct?

Unconnected leads have a voltage across them.

Which of the following statements about the electrical leads in laboratory circuits is correct?

Which of the following is the more formal term for voltage?

Connect the voltmeter in parallel and the ammeter in series.

Connect the voltmeter in series and the ammeter in parallel.

Connect both the voltmeter and the ammeter in parallel.

Connect both the voltmeter and the ammeter in series.

Which of the following is the correct way to connect a voltmeter and an ammeter in a circuit?

The branch with the single lamp has a higher voltage.

The branch with two lamps has a higher voltage.

The branches with lamps have a lower voltage than the cell.

Which of the following statements about the voltage in the branches of the parallel circuit shown is correct?

All of the lamps in the circuit shown are identical. What is the voltage across lamp 3?

What will the reading be on voltmeters 1 and 2 in the circuit shown?

Starter Quiz

Which of the following statements about the electrical leads in laboratory circuits is correct?