Sunday 25 Sep

Series vs. Parallel Circuits tember 2022

LO: Learn how we decide between a series or parallel

circuit for different purposes
Starter: Quick Quiz – Have your mini-white boards
ready

Current is measured in amps

TRUE
 TRUE or FALSE

Current is measured in amps

TRUE
 TRUE or FALSE

Current is the same in a series

circuit?

TRUE
 QUESTION

The particle that produces a

current is called…

A . Electron
B. Neutron
C. Electrode
 TRUE or FALSE

The symbol for an ammeter is…

FALSE
 QUESTION

What current does

the middle ammeter
show if the battery
gives out 5 Amps
A . 1 Amp
B. 5Amps
C 2.5Amps
 Series vs. Parallel Circuits
• Know how to draw parallel circuits
Low

• Explain how current changes in a parallel circuit

Mid

• Evaluate a model to compare the differences between

High series and parallel circuits

• Explain how current depends on the path of least

GCSE resistance

Keywords – Resistance, ohms, voltage, current, energy, metal

ions, electrons
 Series vs. Parallel

SERIES
PARALLEL

Same number of bulbs and batteries, but what

is the difference?
Think – pair – share
 Series vs. Parallel circuits
Current is the flow of electrons

Current is the same

across the bulbs
Current is different
Why is it different? across bulbs
 Parallel circuit models
• Know how to draw parallel circuits
Low

• Explain how current changes in a

parallel circuit
Mid

• Evaluate a model to compare the

differences between series and
High parallel circuits

• Explain how current depends on the

Start at your target and progress path of least resistance
GCSE
onwards.

Extension: Design your own model Keywords – Resistance, ohms,

of a parallel circuit and explain voltage, current, energy,
how it works metal ions, electrons
 Current and voltage in parallel circuits

• Identify the current values in a parallel circuit

Low

• Identify the values for current in a mix of parallel and

Mid series circuits

• Evaluate a complex parallel circuit to determine the

High values for current

• Synthesise a complex diagram and produce values that

GCSE correctly show how current splits

Keywords – Resistance, ohms, voltage, current, energy, metal ions,

electrons
 Current and Voltage in Parallel
12 V; 6 A

12 V
12 V
6A
3A
12 V

A 12 V
B
12 V
Current 12 V Current joins
splits equally 3A back
at the
together
junction
Each electron has 12V!
 Current

8 Amps ? Amps
? Amps

Current Current
splits ? Amps joins
 However for voltage…
20 Volts

20 Volts ? Volts
? Volts

They are all

20V!

Each bulb
? Volts has the same
brightness
Resistance vs. Length
Summary:
In a parallel circuit:
 Current splits at each junction
 Voltage stays the same

Quick check
If…A2 = 3A and A4 = 9A

A1 = _A and A3 = _A
Activity 2 – Current in parallel
 Complete the low/mid section • Identify the current values in a
parallel circuit
Low

• Identify the values for current in a

 Complete the mid/high mix of parallel and series circuits
Mid
section

• Evaluate a complex parallel circuit to

determine the values for current
 Complete the mid/high High
section
• Synthesise a complex diagram and
produce values that correctly show
GCSE how current splits

 Complete the high/GCSE

section
 Design your own circuit Keywords – Resistance, ohms,
diagram voltage, current, energy, metal
ions, electrons
 Plenary
Jack and Jill have two
separate bedrooms.

Each person wants a

ceiling bulb with a wall
switch.

Both bulbs require the

same voltage to work (the
current doesn’t matter)

Draw a circuit diagram that shows how the two

bedrooms should be wired.
 Current and voltage in parallel circuits

• Identify the current values in a parallel circuit

Low

• Identify the values for current in a mix of parallel and

Mid series circuits

• Evaluate a complex parallel circuit to determine the

High values for current

• Synthesise a complex diagram and produce values that

GCSE correctly show how current splits

Keywords – Resistance, ohms, voltage, current, energy, metal ions,

electrons