This definitions covers Key Definitions within Series & Parallel Circuits for GCSE Physics. Revise Series & Parallel Circuits in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 20 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 10 of 16 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
Series circuit: A circuit where components are connected in a single loop — there is only one path for current to flow.
Parallel circuit: A circuit where components are connected on separate branches — there are multiple paths for current to flow.
Junction: A point in a circuit where the wire splits into two or more branches. Current divides at a junction.
Total resistance (series): Rtotal = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ — resistances simply add.
Total resistance (parallel): 1/Rtotal = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ — always less than the smallest individual resistance.
Practice questions for Series & Parallel Circuits
In a series circuit, what is true about the current at all points?
A student adds an extra lamp to a parallel circuit. Explain how this affects the total current from the supply and the brightness of the original lamps.