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Series & Parallel Circuits Instruction Sheet

The document describes four experiments that investigate the characteristics of series and parallel circuits. In series circuits, the current is the same at all points because the current can only flow through one path. In parallel circuits, the current splits and the total current is larger than the current in any one branch. The voltage across each component is the same in series circuits but different in parallel circuits, where the total voltage is split across the branches.

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71 views4 pages

Series & Parallel Circuits Instruction Sheet

The document describes four experiments that investigate the characteristics of series and parallel circuits. In series circuits, the current is the same at all points because the current can only flow through one path. In parallel circuits, the current splits and the total current is larger than the current in any one branch. The voltage across each component is the same in series circuits but different in parallel circuits, where the total voltage is split across the branches.

Uploaded by

2144639220
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Series and Parallel Circuits

There are two basic ways to connect more than one component in a circuit. In a series circuit each
component is connected one after the other so the electric current flows through one component
then the other, and so on. A parallel circuit has separate pathways for the charge to flow, so they
do not go through each component one by one.

In this experiment you will investigate some of the characteristics of series and parallel circuits as
you measure the potential difference, current and resistance of different circuits.

Experiment 1: Current in Series Circuits


Use the PhET simulation Circuit Construction Kit (DC). As you do this experiment, keep the resistance
of each bulb and the potential difference of the battery the same.

Build the series circuit in Diagram 1 below.

Take three readings of the current by placing the ammeter at the three positions below and record
the results in Table 1 below.

Diagram 1

Table 1 – Results for Experiment 1

Position of Ammeter Current in amperes (A)


1
2
3

For your discussion

What is the rule for current in a series circuit? Quote results from your work as evidence.

Build another circuit replacing the bulbs with resistors. Measure the current in the different
positions. What do you notice?

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Experiment 2: Current in Parallel circuits
Use the simulation again to build a parallel circuit as in Diagram 2 below, using ammeters to
compare the current at different points in the circuit. Complete Table 2.

Diagram 2

Table 2 – Results for Experiment 2

Position of Ammeter Current in amperes (A)

For your discussion

What is the rule for current in parallel circuits? Quote results from your work as evidence.

Experiment 3:
Potential difference (Voltage) in Series Circuits
Use the simulation again to build a series circuit as in Diagram 3 below, using voltmeters to compare
the potential difference (voltage) at different points in the circuit:

1. Across the battery


2. Across the first bulb
3. Across the second bulb

Complete Table 3.

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Diagram 3

Table 3 – Results for Experiment 3

Position of voltmeter Potential difference (voltage) in volts (V)


Across the battery
Across the first bulb
Across the second bulb

What is the rule of potential difference (voltage) in a series circuit? Use evidence from your results
to explain this.

How does this compare to the current?

Experiment 4:
Potential difference (voltage) in Parallel Circuits
Repeat Experiment 3 but this time connect your circuit in parallel. Complete table 4 with your
results.

Table 4 – Results for Experiment 4

Position of voltmeter Potential difference (voltage) in volts (V)


Across the battery
Across the first bulb
Across the second bulb

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For your discussion

What is the rule for potential difference (voltage) in a parallel circuit? Use your results to explain
this. How does this compare to current in a parallel circuit?

Complete this table:

In a series circuit In a parallel circuit


Current
Potential difference (voltage)

Extension Questions for a better discussion

(if you don’t know the answer, try them out on the simulation)

Do some research to draw a model explaining how current flows in series and parallel circuits.
Remember to cite your work.

What would happen to the total current is you add more bulbs in a series circuit? Parallel circuit?

How does breaking one bulb affect the circuit if it is connected in series? In parallel?

How does what you learnt apply to real-life situations?

The following video might help you understand better: https://youtu.be/8Z0jhQeYDUE?


list=TLGGymCvN52BYn8yOTEwMjAyMg

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