Series & parallel circuits (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Flashcards

All components connected in a single loop

Entire circuit breaks; no components work

Same at every point

Amperes (A)

Divided among components; sum equals total

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

Multiple paths; each component in own loop/branch

Other branches continue to work

Divided among branches

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

Same as voltage across power source

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

In series with the component