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Circuits (Series and Parallel)
What is a circuit diagram?
- drawing made with symbols to show components and connections in a
circuit
What are two rules you should follow when you draw a circuit diagram?
- use a ruler to draw straight lines for conducting wires
- make right-angle corners so the diagram is a rectangle
Draw the circuit symbol for:
(a) a light bulb
(d) battery
(b) an ammeter
(e) resistor
(c) a voltmeter
(f) switch
Draw a circuit diagram for a circuit that includes a resistor, a switch,
conducting wires, and a battery.
Draw a circuit diagram of a series circuit with a battery, connecting
wires, and one light bulb.
Draw a circuit diagram of a parallel circuit with a battery, connecting
Draw a circuit diagram of a parallel circuit with a battery, connecting
wires, and two light bulbs.
What happens to the voltage in a series circuit when more loads are
added?
- the voltage disperses evenly, causing all the bulbs to get dimmer
- the current is decreased
- the total resistance is increased
What happens to the current in a parallel circuit when more loads are
added?
- the amount of current is greater on the paths with the smaller
resistances
- adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance of the
circuit
How do combination circuits help prevent problems in circuits at home?
- the circuit should not all be in series because if one light burns out,
then there would be no flow of electricity in the house (refrigerator
wouldn't work either!)
- the circuit should not be completely in parallel because sometimes it
is important to be able to turn off power to sections of the house
(electrical work, etc)