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Series and Parallel Circuits

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Series and Parallel Circuits

Hana is helping design lights for a model lighthouse. Use the circuit diagrams and your science knowledge to solve each challenge. Assume identical bulbs and ideal cells unless stated otherwise.

Read the circuit diagrams

A circuit is a complete path for electric charge. In a series circuit, components are connected in one loop. In a parallel circuit, branches provide more than one path. The cell provides a potential difference (voltage); current is the flow of charge.

SERIES ┌──(bulb A)──(bulb B)──┐ │ │ └────────── +| |− ──────┘ One continuous loop

PARALLEL ┌──────(bulb A)────────┐ │ │ ├──────(bulb B)────────┤ │ │ └────────── +| |− ──────┘ Two branches

1.Hana adds a second identical bulb in series with the first. Compared with the original one-bulb circuit, what usually happens to the brightness of each bulb?

Both bulbs are dimmer.
Both bulbs are brighter.
The first stays equally bright and the second is off.
Brightness is unchanged.

2.In the parallel diagram, how many separate branches connect the bulbs across the cell?

3.Choose the best description of current in a simple series circuit with two bulbs.

The same current passes through both bulbs.
The current passes through only the first bulb.
Each bulb has a separate current path.
Current is used up by the first bulb.

4.A student says, “The first bulb uses up some of the current, so less current reaches the second bulb.” Explain what is wrong with this claim.

5.With identical bulbs and the same cell, what usually happens to the first bulb’s brightness when a second bulb is added in parallel?

It stays about the same brightness.
It becomes much dimmer because the current is shared between branches.
It goes out.
It becomes brighter because the cell voltage doubles.

6.A bulb is removed from one branch of a parallel circuit. What is the likely effect on a bulb in the other branch, and why?

7.Match each circuit term to its meaning.

1. Voltage (potential difference)
2. Current
3. Series circuit
4. Parallel circuit

B. A circuit arrangement with multiple branches
D. A circuit arrangement with one continuous path
C. Energy transferred per unit of charge; the electrical push
A. Flow of electric charge

8.A switch in a series circuit is open, breaking the only loop. Predict what happens to both bulbs and explain.

9.Hana wants two lighthouse windows lit so that one can stay lit if the other bulb fails. Should she connect the bulbs in series or parallel? Give one reason.

10.Draw a simple circuit with one cell and two bulbs in parallel. Show the two branches, and label the cell and both bulbs.

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Series and Parallel Circuits

Series and Parallel Circuits

Read the circuit diagrams

3 printable pages

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Print-Ready

AI-Generated

For Teachers & Parents

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

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