Series Circuit
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A Series Circuit is an electrical circuit with only one path for the current to flow.
About Series Circuits
- In a series circuit the current is the same at all locations.
- Components placed in series share the potential difference supplied by the power supply.
Examples
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 |
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| The bulb and Ammeter are in series so they have the same Current going through them. | The motor and resistor are in series so they have the same Current passing through them but share the 1.5V potential difference between them. | The motor, resistor and bulb are in series so they all have the same Current passing through them but share the 1.5V potential difference between them. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A Series Circuit is an electrical circuit with only one path for the current to flow.
About Series Circuits
- In a series circuit the current is the same at all locations.
- Components placed in series share the potential difference supplied by the power supply.
Examples
 |
 |
 |
| The bulb and Ammeter are in series so they have the same Current going through them. | The motor and resistor are in series so they have the same Current passing through them but share the potential difference between them. | The motor, resistor and bulb are in series so they all have the same Current passing through them but share the potential difference between them. |
Resistors in Series
- Adding resistors in series increases the resistance in the circuit.
- The resistance of each resistor can be added together.
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The resistance between points A and B is:
5Ω. |
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The resistance between points A and B is:
2Ω + 5Ω = 7Ω |
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The resistance between points A and B is:
2Ω + 5Ω + 9Ω = 16Ω |
References
AQA
- Series circuit, pages 54, 62-3, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 185, 187, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 28, 30, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 295, 301-2, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 37, 46, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 58-59, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 68-71, 77, 78, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA
- Series circuits, pages 70-73, 79, 80, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
- Series circuits; controlling the current, page 40, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
Edexcel
- Series circuits, page 141, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel
- Series circuits, page 75, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Series circuits, pages 188, 189, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
- Series circuits, pages 231-234, GCSE Physics, CGP, Edexcel
- Series circuits; resistors, pages 146-147, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel