A voltmeter is a device that is connected in parallel with components to measure the voltage across them.

The voltage across a component measures the size of the 'push' that is moving current through it.

Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage, however they can be used interchangeably because they refer to the same electrical quantity.

A circuit with junctions and separate loops is a parallel circuit.

Each separate loop in a parallel circuit can be called a branch.

Voltage in 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

Which of the following devices measures the 'push' that a battery gives to current?

In parallel to the component they are measuring.

In series with the component they are measuring.

Which of the following statements correctly describe how voltmeters should be connected?

lamp 1 will be bright and lamp 2 will be dim

What will happen to the lamps in the circuit shown when the circuit is connected?

What is the voltage across the lamp if the voltage of the battery is 1.5 V?

What is the voltage across the battery of two cells if the voltage across the resistor is 2.0 V and across the motor is 2.0 V?

The voltage across the resistor and lamp only.

The voltage across the resistor, the lamp and the battery.

The current can flow in different branches.

The current is higher in some components.

Which of the following statements about series circuits is correct?

The current is the same everywhere in the circuit.

The current always splits equally at a junction.

Which of the following statements about parallel circuits is correct?

The current is the same in all branches at a junction.

Some branches at a junction get no current.

Which of the following statements about the junctions in a parallel circuit are correct?

The components must be exactly in the positions shown on the circuit diagram.

When building a parallel circuit, which of the following statements describes the most effective method to use?

Straight horizontal and vertical lines are needed.

A variety of symbols or pictures can be used for a single component.

Which of the following statements about circuit diagrams is correct?

The components must be in the same positions as the diagram. 

The number of components and loops will be the same.

The circuit and the diagram will look exactly the same.

A real parallel circuit is made using a circuit diagram for reference.
Which of the following statements is correct?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz