Series and parallel circuits common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Series circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Apply MS 1c, MS 3b, MS 3c and MS 3d skills in series-circuit calculations..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to apply MS 1c, MS 3b, MS 3c and MS 3d skills in series-circuit calculations..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Identify when electrical components are connected in parallel..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to identify when electrical components are connected in parallel..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: State that potential difference across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to state that potential difference across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: State that total current through the whole circuit is the sum of currents through separate branches..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to state that total current through the whole circuit is the sum of currents through separate branches..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Calculate missing currents in simple parallel circuits..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to calculate missing currents in simple parallel circuits..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: State that total resistance of two parallel resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to state that total resistance of two parallel resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Explain qualitatively why adding resistors in parallel decreases total resistance..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to explain qualitatively why adding resistors in parallel decreases total resistance..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Compare the behaviour of current and potential difference in series and parallel circuits..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to compare the behaviour of current and potential difference in series and parallel circuits..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Construct and check parallel circuits using common circuit components..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to construct and check parallel circuits using common circuit components..

• Parallel circuits common mistake 1

  Giving a vague answer instead of directly addressing: Recognise that calculating total resistance for two parallel resistors is not required..

  Fix itAnswer by clearly explaining how to recognise that calculating total resistance for two parallel resistors is not required..