Series and parallel circuits exam tips

Exam tips

• Series circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to apply MS 1c, MS 3b, MS 3c and MS 3d skills in series-circuit calculations..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Series circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to identify when electrical components are connected in parallel..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to state that potential difference across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to state that total current through the whole circuit is the sum of currents through separate branches..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to calculate missing currents in simple parallel circuits..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to state that total resistance of two parallel resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to explain qualitatively why adding resistors in parallel decreases total resistance..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to compare the behaviour of current and potential difference in series and parallel circuits..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to construct and check parallel circuits using common circuit components..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.

• Parallel circuits exam tip 1

  Use precise subject-specific vocabulary when you explain how to recognise that calculating total resistance for two parallel resistors is not required..

  This keeps your answer tightly aligned to the approved learning objective for Parallel circuits.