In SERIES circuits:
- Voltages ADD UP: Vtotal = V₁ + V₂ + V₃
- Energy given by battery = energy taken by all components
- More resistance → larger share of voltage
In PARALLEL circuits:
- Voltage is the SAME across each branch
- Each branch connects directly to the supply
- V₁ = V₂ = V₃ = Vsupply
This deep dive covers Voltage Rules in Circuits within Potential Difference for GCSE Physics. Revise Potential Difference in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Potential Difference
Which of the following is the correct definition of potential difference?
Explain what is meant by a potential difference of 6 V across a component.
Quick recall flashcards
What is 1 Volt?
1 Joule per Coulomb (1 V = 1 J/C)
P.d. equation?
V = E/Q where V = voltage (V), E = energy (J), Q = charge (C). Also V = IR.