Series and parallel circuits — Physics, 11–13 years
The arrangement of components changes how electricity travels through a circuit. Physics, 11–13 years.
Idea
In a series circuit, components share one path, so the same current passes through each one. In a parallel circuit, the path splits into branches, so current has more than one route. This changes brightness, reliability and control.
Why
Early circuits often put every lamp on one path, but one broken lamp could switch everything off. Parallel branches solved this problem: each lamp can receive a route of its own. Series circuits still help when one switch should control every component together.
Worked example
Build two circuits with two identical lamps and one battery. In series, both lamps share the battery’s voltage, so each is dimmer; unscrew one and both go out. In parallel, each branch connects across the battery, so one lamp can stay lit when the other is removed.
Common trap
A reasonable mistake is thinking parallel means the current is simply doubled everywhere. Current splits between branches according to their resistance, then joins again; it is not the same current flowing twice along one path. The branch arrangement matters.
Use
Homes use parallel wiring so a lamp can be switched off without turning off the fridge or every other light. Car lights and many electronic devices also use branches, switches and protective parts so one failure does not silence the whole system.
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