Series and Parallel Circuits

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Questions and Answers

In a series circuit, what is the primary characteristic of current flow?

  • Current divides and flows through multiple paths.
  • Current increases proportionally to resistance.
  • Current decreases at each successive component.
  • Current remains constant throughout the circuit. (correct)

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

False (B)

What unit is used to measure resistance in an electrical circuit?

ohm

A(n) _________ is used to measure current in a circuit, and it must be connected in series.

<p>ammeter</p>
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Match the circuit type with its corresponding characteristic:

<p>Series Circuit = Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances Parallel Circuit = Total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistor</p>
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What happens to the total resistance in a series circuit when more resistors are added?

<p>The total resistance increases. (D)</p>
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A voltmeter should be connected in series to measure the voltage across a component.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What is the effect of higher resistance on current flow in an electrical circuit?

<p>limits the current</p>
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Voltage is measured in _______, which represents energy in joules per coulomb.

<p>volts</p>
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Match the term with its definition

<p>Voltage = Electrical push provided by a battery to electrons Current = Flow of negatively charged electrons through a wire Resistance = Opposition to current flow</p>
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Which of the following is true regarding voltage in a parallel circuit?

<p>Voltage is the same across all components. (C)</p>
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The total resistance in a parallel circuit is always greater than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What is measured in amperes (amps)?

<p>current</p>
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In a series circuit, the _________ is shared among components.

<p>voltage</p>
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Match the measuring device with what it measures and how it connects in a circuit:

<p>Voltmeter = Measures voltage, connects in parallel Ammeter = Measures current, connects in series</p>
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Using the formula for total resistance in a parallel circuit, if you have two resistors, $R_1 = 4$ ohms and $R_2 = 4$ ohms, what is the total resistance?

<p>2 ohms (C)</p>
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The total current flowing into a parallel circuit is equal to the current flowing out of it.

<p>True (A)</p>
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What term describes the number of coulombs per second?

<p>ampere</p>
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A high _________ indicates a more difficult flow of current.

<p>resistance</p>
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Match the component connection type with how voltage and current behave:

<p>Series = Voltage is shared, current is the same Parallel = Voltage is the same, current is divided</p>
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Flashcards

Series Circuit

Components connected end to end in a single loop, providing a single path for current flow.

Parallel Circuit

Components connected side by side, allowing current to divide and flow through multiple pathways.

Voltage

Measure of the electrical 'push' or energy provided to electrons, measured in volts (joules per coulomb).

Current

The rate of flow of negatively charged electrons through a wire, measured in amperes (amps).

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Resistance

Measure of the opposition to current flow in a circuit, measured in ohms (Ω).

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Series Circuit Characteristics

The total voltage is divided among components, the same current flows through each, and total resistance is the sum of individual resistances.

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Parallel Circuit Characteristics

Voltage across each component is the same, total current is the sum of individual currents, and total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistor.

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Parallel Resistance Formula

1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... where R is total resistance and R1, R2, etc. are individual resistances.

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Parallel Resistance Rule

Total resistance in parallel circuits is always less than the value of the smallest individual resistor.

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Study Notes

  • Electrical circuits are mainly of two types: series and parallel circuits

### Series Circuits

  • Components are connected end to end in a single loop
  • They provide a singular path for current flow

Parallel Circuits

  • Components are connected side by side
  • The current divides, and flows through multiple pathways

Voltage

  • It is a measure of the electrical push provided by a battery to electrons
  • It measures energy in joules given to each packet of electrons (coulombs)
  • Voltmeters measure volts, or joules per coulomb
  • Voltmeters must be connected in parallel when added to a circuit

Current

  • The flow of negatively charged electrons through a wire
  • Measured in coulombs per second, or amperes (amps)
  • Ammeters measure current and must be connected in series

Resistance

  • A measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit
  • Measured in ohms (Ω)
  • Higher resistance means a more difficult flow of current
  • Voltage forces current around, resistance limits the current

Series component connections

  • Total voltage of the power supply is shared among components
  • The same current flows through each component
  • Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances

Parallel component connections

  • Voltage across each component is the same
  • Total current is the sum of currents through separate components
  • Total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistor

Calculating Total Resistance in Parallel Circuits

  • Use the formula: 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 to calculate total resistance (R)
  • R1 and R2 are the individual resistances of the resistors in parallel
  • The total resistance in parallel is always less than each individual resistor

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