Series and Parallel Circuits

• Physics
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Cell

Battery

Ammeter

Voltmeter

Variable resistor

Open switch

Closed switch

Fixed resistor

Fuse

Filament bulb

What do we call the flow of electrons around a circuit?

1. Current
2. Potential difference
3. Resistance
4. Energy

Which component do we use to measure current?

1. Voltmeter
2. Ammeter
3. Resistor
4. Motor

Which component makes electricity flow in a circuit?

1. Switch
2. Fuse
3. Cell
4. Resistor

Which component can stop or start the current flowing?

What do we call 2 or more cells combined?

Which component is always connected in series?

1. Ammeter
2. Cell
3. Bulb
4. Voltmeter

Which component is always connected in parallel?

1. Ammeter
2. Cell
3. Bulb
4. Voltmeter

Series or Parallel?

1. Series
2. Parallel

Series or Parallel?

1. Series
2. Parallel

Series or Parallel?

1. Series
2. Parallel

Which circuit has brighter bulbs?

1. 
2. 

Which circuit has brighter bulbs?

1. 
2. 

Which circuit has brighter bulbs?

1. 
2. 

Put the circuits in order from dimmest to brightest.

Dim

Bright

What do you notice about the current in this parallel circuit?

A series circuit has...

1. A single loop
2. More than one loop

Which switch(es) must be closed to light lamp M?

1. 1
2. 2
3. 1 and 2
4. Neither

Which switch(es) must be closed to light lamp N?

1. 1
2. 2
3. 1 and 2
4. Neither

Which switch(es) must be closed to light lamp X?

Which switch(es) must be closed to light lamp Y?

Which switch(es) must be closed to light lamp Z?

What will happen to the bottom bulb in this circuit? Why?

In this circuit bulb B is broken. What will happen when the battery is turned on? Why?

Which section of this circuit (A, B, C, D) will have the greatest intensity of current?

If resistance increases, current...

1. Increases
2. Decreases

Resistance is measured in...

1. Amps
2. Ohms
3. Watts
4. Volts

Where can you see resistance in this cartoon?

Which wire has greater resistance?

1. 
2. 

Each component is connected in the same circuit. Which component has the most resistance?

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

Why does circuit 2 have less current? What will happen to the bulbs?