Grade 9 Science - Voltage and Current in Circuits

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Questions and Answers

In a series circuit, how is the total voltage calculated?

  • It is the sum of the voltages across each load. (correct)
  • It is the average of all voltages.
  • It is the minimum voltage among the loads.
  • It is the product of the voltages.

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each load is different.

False (B)

What happens to the current in a parallel circuit as more devices are added?

The total current increases.

In series circuits, increasing the voltage will cause the bulbs to burn __________.

<p>brighter</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following circuit components with their functions:

<p>Fuse = Breaks circuit when current is too high Circuit Breaker = Reusable device for overcurrent protection Resistor = Reduces current in the circuit Switch = Opens or closes a circuit</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of a series circuit?

<p>If one component fails, the entire circuit stops working. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adding more loads in a parallel circuit decreases the total current.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue can arise from increased current in a parallel circuit?

<p>Wires can heat up and cause a fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The equation for total current in a parallel circuit is __________.

<p>Itotal = I1 + I2 + ... + In</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a resistor in a circuit?

<p>To reduce current in the circuit. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the total resistance in a series circuit as additional loads are added?

<p>It increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a parallel circuit, a break in one pathway affects the other pathways.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a series circuit?

<p>One path for electron flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a parallel circuit, total resistance ______ as loads are added.

<p>decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following circuit types with their characteristics:

<p>Series Circuit = Current is the same throughout Parallel Circuit = A break in one path does not affect others</p> Signup and view all the answers

What remains the same throughout a series circuit?

<p>Current (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of adding an extra lane in a parallel circuit during rush hour?

<p>The overall traffic flow improves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fuses are typically wired in parallel to control the entire circuit.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ provides the energy/force needed to supply all of the loads in a series circuit.

<p>source of electric potential</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the effect of adding more loads in a series circuit.

<p>Total resistance increases and affects current flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Series Circuit

A circuit where electrons flow along a single path.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit with multiple pathways for electrons to flow.

Resistance in a Series Circuit

The total resistance in a series circuit increases as more loads are added.

Resistance in a Parallel Circuit

The total resistance in a parallel circuit decreases as more loads are added.

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Current in a Series Circuit

The current (flow of electrons) is the same throughout a series circuit.

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Voltage in a Series Circuit

The voltage (potential difference) is divided up among the loads in a series circuit.

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Voltage in a Parallel Circuit

The voltage (potential difference) is the same across all loads in a parallel circuit.

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Current in a Parallel Circuit

The current (flow of electrons) in a parallel circuit is divided among the parallel paths. Each path has its own current.

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Switch

A component that opens or closes an electrical circuit.

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Fuse

A safety device that breaks the circuit if the current gets too high.

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Total Voltage (Series)

In a series circuit, the total voltage is the sum of the voltage across each load.

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Current (Series)

In a series circuit, the same current flows through each load.

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Total Current (Parallel)

In a parallel circuit, the total current is the sum of the currents through each branch.

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Voltage (Parallel)

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same as the voltage across the battery.

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Series Circuit Disadvantage

Adding more loads in a series circuit reduces the voltage across each load, potentially dimming lights.

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Parallel Circuit Disadvantage

In a parallel circuit, adding more loads increases the total current, potentially causing wires to overheat.

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Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to interrupt the circuit if the current is too high, protecting against electrical fires.

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Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker is a safety device that automatically interrupts the circuit when too much current flows through it.

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Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker

A blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker indicates excessive current flow.

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Study Notes

Grade 9 Science, Academic - Lesson 11.2 - Voltage and Current in Series and Parallel Circuits

  • Learning Goals: Understand how electrical circuits are designed using series and parallel configurations.
  • Success Criteria:
    • Explain the difference between series and parallel circuits.
    • Use circuit symbols to draw circuit diagrams.
    • Explain how voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) are affected by the number of loads in a circuit.
  • Recap: Review of potential difference, current, and resistance.
  • Note Format: First series circuits, then parallel, to aid comparing/contrasting.
  • Series Circuits:
    • One path for electron flow.
    • If one part of the circuit is open, electron flow stops.
    • Total resistance increases as loads are added (equivalent to adding more hurdles).
  • Parallel Circuits:
    • Electrons can flow through multiple paths.
    • A break in one path doesn't affect the others.
    • Total resistance decreases as loads are added (like adding extra lanes to prevent traffic congestion).
  • Combination Circuits:
    • Some circuits use both series and parallel components.
    • Switches and fuses are often wired in series to control/protect the entire circuit.
  • Circuit Symbols:
    • Diagrams showing fuses, circuit breakers, switches etc.
  • Practice Problems:
    • Draw a circuit with a 2-cell battery, resistor and light bulb in series. Show correct polarity and electron flow.
    • Draw a circuit with a 4.5 volt battery, two bulbs and a resistor in parallel, also including a fuse.
  • Series Circuit Current:
    • Current is the same throughout the entire circuit.
    • Total current = current through every part of the circuit.
  • Series Circuit Voltage:
    • Voltage is the sum of the voltage across each load.
    • Total voltage = the sum of the voltages across each component.
  • Parallel Circuit Current:
    • Current is shared throughout the circuit and is equal to the sum of individual branch current.
    • Total current = sum of the currents through all branches.
  • Parallel Circuit Voltage:
    • Voltage is the same across each branch. All components use the same total supplied voltage.
  • Voltage and Current Relationships
  • Series Circuits: Disadvantages—If one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.
  • Parallel Circuits: Disadvantages—Adding more loads increases the current, risking overheating wires and causing a fire.
  • Safety devices (fuses/circuit breakers) are used to prevent these problems in home circuits. Their purpose is to interrupt the circuit if a high current is detected.
  • Practice: Circuit Analysis: Solve problems involving missing values in series or parallel circuits.

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