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Lesson 4 of 9
Making parallel circuits
I can use circuit diagrams to build parallel circuits and draw circuit diagrams of parallel circuits.
Lesson 4 of 9
New
New
Making parallel circuits
I can use circuit diagrams to build parallel circuits and draw circuit diagrams of parallel circuits.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A parallel circuit is a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery to the other end.
- A circuit is built systematically following a circuit diagram, round in one direction, starting from any point.
- A parallel circuit is built systematically, completing each loop of the circuit in turn.
- A circuit diagram is drawn systematically, following each loop round and completing each one in turn.
- Wires in a circuit diagram are drawn with a ruler for clarity, with no tiny gaps that would break the circuit.
Keywords
Series circuit - An electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.
Complete circuit - A circuit that has no gaps, allowing electricity to flow continuously around the circuit.
Parallel circuit - An electric circuit with more than one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.
Circuit diagram - A simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.
Common misconception
Components of a parallel circuit must match the exact layout of a circuit diagram.
Focus on pupils starting at one end of the battery and building each loop up in turn, focusing on putting the connections in the correct order.
Remind pupils how to test for faulty components by connecting them in a simple circuit, and provide a box into which suspected faulty components can be placed in order to be checked in advance of the next lesson.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Electrical leads, cells, bulbs and holders, switches.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements about series circuits is correct?
Which of the following statements about series circuits is correct?
A series circuit contains junctions.
A series circuit has different loops.
Correct answer: The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit.
The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit.
The current can take different paths in a series circuit.
Q2.Which of the following resistances is the total resistance of the combination of resistors shown?
Which of the following resistances is the total resistance of the combination of resistors shown?
1 $$\Omega$$
2 $$\Omega$$
3 $$\Omega$$
4 $$\Omega$$
Correct answer: 5 $$\Omega$$
5 $$\Omega$$
Q3.A 20 cm wire has a resistance of 60 $$\Omega$$.
Which of the following lengths of wire would have a resistance of 15 $$\Omega$$?
A 20 cm wire has a resistance of 60 $$\Omega$$.
Which of the following lengths of wire would have a resistance of 15 $$\Omega$$?
Correct answer: 5 cm
5 cm
20 cm
40 cm
80 cm
Q4.Which of the following statements describes how an ammeter should be connected to measure the current through a component?
Which of the following statements describes how an ammeter should be connected to measure the current through a component?
Correct answer: In series with the component.
In series with the component.
In parallel with the component.
Either in series or in parallel with the component.
Q5.Which of the following statements describes how a voltmeter should be connected to measure the voltage across a component?
Which of the following statements describes how a voltmeter should be connected to measure the voltage across a component?
In series with the component.
Correct answer: In parallel with the component.
In parallel with the component.
Either in series or in parallel with the component.
Q6.Which of the following rules are important when drawing circuit diagrams?
Which of the following rules are important when drawing circuit diagrams?
Correct answer: There are no small gaps between wires or components.
There are no small gaps between wires or components.
Correct answer: Standard circuit symbols are used.
Standard circuit symbols are used.
Correct answer: Wires are drawn using a ruler.
Wires are drawn using a ruler.
The circuit diagram is symmetrical.
Assessment exit quiz
Download quiz pdf
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements about parallel circuits are correct?
Which of the following statements about parallel circuits are correct?
Correct answer: A parallel circuit contains junctions.
A parallel circuit contains junctions.
Correct answer: A parallel circuit has different loops.
A parallel circuit has different loops.
All of the current passes through all of the components in a parallel circuit.
The current is the same everywhere in a parallel circuit.
Q2.Which of the following rules are not important when building a circuit from a circuit diagram?
Which of the following rules are not important when building a circuit from a circuit diagram?
The number of components must match.
The number of loops must match.
The components on each loop must match.
Correct answer: The positions of the components on each loop must match.
The positions of the components on each loop must match.
Q3.A pupil has drawn a circuit diagram of a circuit they used to measure the voltage across a lamp.
Which of the following errors have they made when constructing the circuit diagram shown?
A pupil has drawn a circuit diagram of a circuit they used to measure the voltage across a lamp.
Which of the following errors have they made when constructing the circuit diagram shown?
They have used an incorrect symbol for the cell.
Correct answer: There is a gap at the positive terminal of the cell.
There is a gap at the positive terminal of the cell.
Correct answer: They have used an incorrect symbol for the one of the lamps.
They have used an incorrect symbol for the one of the lamps.
Correct answer: The voltmeter is connected in series.
The voltmeter is connected in series.
Q4.Which of the circuits shown, A, B, C, or D, is the odd one out?
Which of the circuits shown, A, B, C, or D, is the odd one out?
A
Correct answer: B
B
C
D
Q5.Which of the following statements about voltage and current are correct?
Which of the following statements about voltage and current are correct?
Correct answer: voltage = size of the 'push' on charges; current = rate of flow of charge
voltage = size of the 'push' on charges; current = rate of flow of charge
voltage = rate of flow of charge; current = size of the 'push' on charges
voltage = how hard it is for charge to flow; current = rate of flow of charge
voltage = number of charges in circuit; current = how fast the charges flow
Q6.Which of the following statements about the two circuits shown are correct?
Which of the following statements about the two circuits shown are correct?
Correct answer: Both circuits are parallel circuits.
Both circuits are parallel circuits.
Both circuits are series circuits.
Correct answer: Both circuits are the same circuit.
Both circuits are the same circuit.
One circuit is a series circuit and the other is a parallel circuit.