Series & Parallel Circuits (AQA GCSE Physics Combined Science): Flashcards

Circuit with one path for current flow

One after the other, no branches

Whole circuit stops working

Same everywhere in the circuit

Gets shared between all components

$V_1 + V_2 + V_3 = V_{total}$

Increases

$R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3$

Circuit with more than one path for current

Others can still work

Splits at junctions and recombines

$I_{total} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3$

Same across each branch

Decreases

In series with components