Comparing Series & Parallel Circuits Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

Which quantity is the same for every component in a series circuit, and which is the same in a parallel circuit?

Series: the current is the same. Parallel: the potential difference is the same.

True or false? If one lamp breaks in a parallel circuit, the lamps on the other branches go out too.

False. The other branches are still complete circuits, so those lamps stay lit (in series they would all go out).

True or false? In a parallel circuit every branch carries the same current.

False. Every branch has the same potential difference, but a branch with greater resistance carries a smaller current.

In a dc series circuit used to test a component, where are the ammeter and the voltmeter connected?

The ammeter is connected in series with the component; the voltmeter is connected in parallel across the component.

What does it mean if a set of repeat readings of total resistance is precise?

The readings show little variation — they are close together, so the range is small.