Series Circuits 

Complete these sentences:  

A current will flow through an electrical component (or device) only if there is a or potential difference (p.d.), across its ends. 

The bigger the potential difference across a component, the the that flows through it.  

Components resist a current flowing through them. The bigger their , the smaller the produced by a particular voltage.  

The p.d. across a component in a circuit is measured in (V) using a connected across the component.   

The current flowing through a component in a circuit is measured in (A) using an connected in with the component.

Resistors in series:

Match each combination of resistors with it's equivalent series resistor:

a		8W                             2W		. 12 W 11 W 10 W 9 W
b		5W                            6W		. 12 W 11 W 10 W 9 W
c		2W             3W         4W		. 12 W 11 W 10 W 9 W
d		8W             2W              2W		. 12 W 11 W 10 W 9 W

Look at this series circuit.  

If the ammeter on the right reads 3A - how would the ammeter on the left compare?  It would be more It would be the same It would be less It would be zero .  

This is because: current is increased by the resistors current is used up by resistors current is the same in all parts of a series circuit

The Voltmeter labeled A reads 6V.

If the two resistors are equal what must voltmeter B read?  12V 6V 3V 0V   This is because: Voltage is the same around series circuits Voltage is used up by resistors The voltage of the supply is shared between the two resitors

In a series circuit:

• the current flows through each component.

• the total of the supply is shared between the components.

Click to go to next page on parallel circuits