3.4.7

Parallel Circuits

Test yourself

Parallel Circuits

If a circuit is set up as a parallel circuit it will be set up with branches.

Illustrative background for Parallel circuitsIllustrative background for Parallel circuits ?? "content

Parallel circuits

  • Parallel circuits have branches.
  • The branches form different loops in which current can flow.
Illustrative background for Bulbs in parallel circuitsIllustrative background for Bulbs in parallel circuits ?? "content

Bulbs in parallel circuits

  • If one bulb breaks in a parallel circuit the other bulbs will remain on.
  • If you add more bulbs to different branches the other bulbs will not get dimmer.
Illustrative background for Current in parallel circuitsIllustrative background for Current in parallel circuits ?? "content

Current in parallel circuits

  • The current is split among the circuit's branches.
  • If there were two branches each with a bulb they would each share half the current that was originally in the circuit.
  • The current will be the same at the start and end of the circuit.
Illustrative background for Potential difference in parallel circuitsIllustrative background for Potential difference in parallel circuits ?? "content

Potential difference in parallel circuits

  • The potential difference across the different components is equal to that of the cell or battery.
  • If there were two branches each with a bulb they would each have the same potential difference as the cell or battery.

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