Series vs parallel circuits
Describe and apply the rules for current, voltage, and resistance in series and parallel circuits, and explain the practical uses of each circuit type
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“Can your child explain why the lights in your home don't all switch off when you turn off one room's light, but a string of old-fashioned Christmas lights does go off if one bulb breaks?”
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- Activity. Describe and apply the rules for current, voltage, and resistance in series and parallel circuits, and explain the practical uses of each circuit type
What to notice. States the rules for current and voltage in series circuits (current same everywhere; voltages add up) • States the rules for current and voltage in parallel circuits (voltages same across each branch; currents add up) • Explains why household wiring uses parallel circuits and identifies the advantage of each type
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Can your child explain why the lights in your home don't all switch off when you turn off one room's light, but a string of old-fashioned Christmas lights does go off if one bulb breaks?
Describe and apply the rules for current, voltage, and resistance in series and parallel circuits, and explain the practical uses of each circuit type
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Check understanding
- States the rules for current and voltage in series circuits (current same everywhere; voltages add up)
- States the rules for current and voltage in parallel circuits (voltages same across each branch; currents add up)
- Explains why household wiring uses parallel circuits and identifies the advantage of each type
“Can your child explain why the lights in your home don't all switch off when you turn off one room's light, but a string of old-fashioned Christmas lights does go off if one bulb breaks?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Energy
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards