A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.

A complete circuit is one with no gaps, so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.

A parallel circuit is a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.

A circuit diagram is a simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.

Making parallel circuits

Science

about the properties of electric fields, moving electric charge, and how to analyse series and parallel electrical circuits.

In the Series circuits unit, pupils learnt about static electricity (electric charge), setting up series circuits using circuit diagrams, finding and replacing faulty components, and the rules for electric current and voltage in series circuits.

Resistance and parallel circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

All of the current passes through all of the components in a parallel circuit.

The current is the same everywhere in a parallel circuit.

Which of the following statements about parallel circuits are correct?

The positions of the components on each loop must match.

Which of the following rules are **not** important when building a circuit from a circuit diagram?

They have used an incorrect symbol for the cell.

There is a gap at the positive terminal of the cell.

They have used an incorrect symbol for the one of the lamps.

A pupil has drawn a circuit diagram of a circuit they used to measure the voltage across a lamp. 
Which of the following errors have they made when constructing the circuit diagram shown?

Which of the circuits shown, A, B, C, or D, is the odd one out?

voltage = size of the 'push' on charges; current = rate of flow of charge

voltage = rate of flow of charge; current = size of the 'push' on charges

voltage = how hard it is for charge to flow; current = rate of flow of charge

voltage = number of charges in circuit; current = how fast the charges flow

Which of the following statements about voltage and current are correct?

One circuit is a series circuit and the other is a parallel circuit.

Which of the following statements about the two circuits shown are correct?

The current is the same everywhere in a series circuit.

The current can take different paths in a series circuit.

Which of the following statements about series circuits is correct?

Which of the following resistances is the total resistance of the combination of resistors shown?

A 20 cm wire has a resistance of 60 $$\Omega$$. 
Which of the following lengths of wire would have a resistance of 15 $$\Omega$$?

Either in series or in parallel with the component.

Which of the following statements describes how an ammeter should be connected to measure the current through a component? 

Which of the following statements describes how a voltmeter should be connected to measure the voltage across a component? 

There are no small gaps between wires or components.

Which of the following rules are important when drawing circuit diagrams?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz