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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| 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 |