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Series and parallel circuits
This topic turns circuit diagrams into predictive rules for how current, potential difference and resistance behave in series and parallel arrangements.
21
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaGcsePhysicsElectricity
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Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
21 objective pages available
Series circuits11 objectives
- Identify when electrical components are connected in series.
- State that current is the same through each component in a series circuit.
- State that the total potential difference of the power supply is shared between components in series.
- Calculate missing potential differences in simple series circuits.
- State that total resistance of two series components is the sum of their individual resistances.
- Calculate total resistance for resistors connected in series.
- Explain qualitatively why adding resistors in series increases total resistance.
- Construct and check series circuits using common circuit components.
- Explain the design and use of direct-current series circuits for measurement and testing.
- Solve problems for circuits with resistors in series using equivalent resistance.
- Apply MS 1c, MS 3b, MS 3c and MS 3d skills in series-circuit calculations.
Parallel circuits10 objectives
- Identify when electrical components are connected in parallel.
- State that potential difference across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same.
- State that total current through the whole circuit is the sum of currents through separate branches.
- Calculate missing currents in simple parallel circuits.
- State that total resistance of two parallel resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor.
- Explain qualitatively why adding resistors in parallel decreases total resistance.
- Compare the behaviour of current and potential difference in series and parallel circuits.
- Construct and check parallel circuits using common circuit components.
- Recognise that calculating total resistance for two parallel resistors is not required.
- Apply AT 7 skills when constructing and checking series and parallel circuits.
Key terms
connectedelectrical components connectedseries circuitcurrent same throughstatetotal potential differencemissing potential differencestotal resistancetotal resistance seriestotal resistance resistorsqualitatively adding resistorsconstruct check series
Exam tips
- Series circuits exam tip 1: Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to identify when electrical components are connected in series..
- Series circuits exam tip 1: Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to state that current is the same through each component in a series circuit..
Common mistakes
- Series circuits common mistake 1: Answer by clearly explaining how to identify when electrical components are connected in series..
- Series circuits common mistake 1: Answer by clearly explaining how to state that current is the same through each component in a series circuit..
Practice preview
- Which option best matches the exam specification point for Series circuits (1)?
- A student is answering an AQA Electricity question about Series circuits. Which choice best applies electrical components connected?
- In Series and parallel circuits, which revision statement keeps electrical components connected tied to the exam specification point?
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