Objective Students will be able to compare series and parallel circuits in order to describe how energy is transferred to produce light

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS S.MORRIS 2006 More free powerpoints at www.worldofteaching.com

What is an electric current? An electric current is a flow of electrons flowing through wires and components. - + In which direction does the current flow? from the Negative terminal to the Positive terminal of a cell.

simple circuits Here is a simple electric circuit. It has an energy source, a load and a switch. wires Energy Source Load switch To make the circuit, these components are connected together with metal connecting wires.

simple circuits When the switch is closed, the lamp lights up. This is because there is a continuous path of metal for the electric current to flow around. If there were any breaks in the circuit, the current could not flow.

types of circuit There are two types of electrical circuits; SERIES CIRCUITS PARALLEL CIRCUITS

SERIES CIRCUITS A Series Circuit is a circuit in which all parts are connected in a single loop. There is only one path for charges to follow, so the charges must flow through each part of the circuit. If one bulb ‘blows’ it breaks the whole circuit and all the bulbs go out.

Series Duracell

Series Duracell

Series Duracell

Series Duracell

Series Duracell

Series Duracell Open Circuit!!

PARALLEL CIRCUITS A Parallel Circuit is a circuit in which loads are connected side by side. The charges have more than one path in which they can travel If one bulb ‘blows’ there is still a complete circuit to the other bulb so it stays alight.

Parallel

Parallel Duracell

Parallel Duracell

Parallel Duracell

Parallel Duracell

Parallel Duracell

Parallel Two Complete Circuits Duracell

Comparison Series Circuit Parallel Circuit Definition Resistance Examples Only one path for current to flow Multiple paths for current to flow Total resistance increases Total resistance stays same Holiday lights -Household Current