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Parallel Circuits

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

Parallel circuits

Parallel circuits

  • Parallel circuits have branches.
  • The branches form different loops in which current can flow.
Bulbs in parallel circuits

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.
Current in parallel circuits

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.
Potential difference in parallel circuits

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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