Parallel Circuits
Science: KS3, topic 3.4.7
Parallel Circuits
A circuit can be set up as a parallel circuit. A parallel circuit is set up with branches.
Parallel circuits
- Parallel circuits have branches.
- The branches form loops where current can flow.
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
- The current is split among the circuit's branches.
- If there were two branches each with a bulb, they would share half the current.
- The current was originally in the circuit.
Current throughout circuit
- The current will be the same at the start and end of the circuit.
Potential difference (parallel)
- The potential difference across each component equals the cell or battery.
- Two branches with a bulb share the same potential difference as the battery.
Test yourself on Parallel Circuits
A battery in a parallel circuit provides 9 V. What is the potential difference across each branch?
Which are true of parallel circuits?